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Integumentary System: Similarities Between A Cow And A Tree

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A cow and a tree…two objects, that’s about it right? Not so much, even though they may seem to be different, they have many similarities to one another. To point out just a few, both a tree and a cow are a living source, they both have a protective shield and are they are both processed to make tangible items we use in today’s society.
Many individuals may not know that a tree is in fact a breathing organism. It has complete circulation which runs from its hair roots down in the soil up to the leaves and back again. Trees breathe mostly through its leaves. If you ever happen to look at the upper side of a leaf through a microscope, you will see a countless number of cells. There are many different types of cells, specialized to do many different …show more content…

The Integumentary System, also known as the skin, is the largest organ of the body. Its complete structure is composed of many different tissues. The skin protects the cow’s body from any bacterial invasions and physical damage. When a cow becomes sick, the skin is the first system that is affected. The integumentary system is composed of three layers: (i) Epidermis, (ii) Dermis, and (iii) Hypodermis or Subcutis. To start with the inner most layer you have the Hypodermis (Subcutis). The Hypodermis consists of connective tissues, elastic fibers and fat. When fat forms a layer of thickness it is called Peniculus Adiposus. Any reserved energy is also stored within the Hypodermis. Then you have the layer, Dermis. The Dermis supports the outer most layer, Epidermis. Dermis consist of collagen, reticular and elastic fibers which plays a large role in the strength and elasticity in the skin; as well as the maintenance and repair of the skin. Lastly, you have the Epidermis. The Epidermis alone consist of four sublayers, (i) Stratum Corneum – outermost horny layer, (ii) Stratum Lucidum – clear layer, (iii) Stratum Granulosum – granular layer, and (iv) Stratum Spinosum – prickly cell layer. The Epidermis is derived from basal membrane Stratum Basale, which presents the openings for the hair follicles. Some of the functions of the skin include: preservation of the cow’s shape, protection from water loss, protection from any physical, chemical and microbial injury imposed by an external agent. An important role of the skin is it balances its Thermoregulation, which is its ability of an organism to regulate its body

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