The integumentary system consists of the skin and its structures which function in protecting the body. This integumentary system consists of the smaller organs like the hair, nails, glands, feathers and the hooves. The three common examples of the small organs associated with the skin include the -
(a) Hair- It is the characteristic feature of the mammals which are protein filaments arising from the dermis of the skin. Each strand of hair consists of the medulla, cortex and the cuticle. It provides warmth, protection and a sense of touch.
(b) Nail- Nails are the horn like envelops covering and protecting the finger tips. They are made up of the protein called keratin. It consists of the nail plate, nail matrix and the nail bed.
(c) Glands- The glands of the skin include the sebaceous and the sweat glands. The sebaceous glands of the skin are involved in the production of the sebum which protects the skin from bacterial infection. The sweat glands produce the sweat which are involved in cooling the body.