When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays in sunlight, a form of cholesterol is eventually transformed into Vitamin D Vitamin D is the only vitamin that can be produced by the body. Last, but certainly not least, the integumentary system helps the body dispose of certain waste materials (Owens, 1996)
The skin is not only the largest organ of the body, but also forms a living, natural barrier, and is the feature of ourselves that is first presented to the world. A large proportion of the population suffers from skin disease, and dermatological conditions make up about 10% of all visits that people make to the doctor (Chadha, 2009)
"In addition, the system helps to regulate body temperature, serves as a minor excretory organ, and makes the inner body aware of its outer environment through sensory receptors" (The Integumentary System, 2009). The skin is the biggest organ in the human body and makes up about 7% of a persons body weight (Morse, 2002)