Which components make up the integumentary system?

The integumentary system is primarily composed of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands, which include sweat and oil glands. These components work together to perform a variety of crucial functions for the body, including protection against environmental hazards, regulation of body temperature, and sensory reception.

The skin serves as the body’s largest organ and provides a barrier to protect against pathogens and physical damage. Hair aids in temperature regulation and provides some level of protection, while nails protect the tips of fingers and toes and enhance dexterity. The inclusion of sweat and oil glands is significant because they play essential roles in maintaining skin health and regulating moisture and temperature through the secretion of sweat and sebum, respectively.

The other options include components that either do not belong to the integumentary system or do not fully encompass its primary functions and structures. For example, muscles and connective tissue, while important in the overall anatomy and physiology of the body, are not part of the integumentary system itself.