Integumentary System

a.       Skin; protects against environmental hazards, helps control body temperature

a.       Provides support; protects tissues; stores minerals; forms blood cells

a.       Allows for locomotion; provides support; produces heat

a.       Directs immediate responses to stimuli, usually coordinating the activities of other organ systems

a.       Directs long-term changes of other organ systems

a.       Transports cells and dissolved materials, including nutrients, wastes, and gases

a.       Defends against infection and disease; returns tissue fluid to the bloodstream

a.       Delivers air to sites where gas exchange can occur between the air and circulating blood; produces sound

a.       Processes food and absorbs nutrients

a.       Eliminates excess water, salts, and waste products

a.       Produces sex cells and hormones