TBL Module: Endocrine and Integumentary Systems
revised 12.22.16
Learning Objectives
Understand why you have an endocrine system. Understand the functions it performs and how these
are accomplished by the components of the endocrine system.
Together with the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system functions to
maintain an organism’s homeostasis (constancy of internal environment). In contrast to the
relatively fast acting but short duration nervous control, endocrine control is typically slower
but longer acting. Although almost all organs contain endocrine cells (e.g., small granule
cells, enteroendocrine cells, macula densa cells, etc.) and probably the majority of cell types
have endocrine functions, this segment will focus on the glandular organs whose function is
primarily, but not exclusively, endocrinal.
Understand why you have a integumentary system. Understand the functions it performs and how
these are accomplished by the components of the integumentary system.
As our largest organ and the one that separates us from the environment, it is not
surprising that the integumentary system serves a large number of diverse functions. These
include protective, immunological, neurosensory, exocrine and endocrine, homeostatial and
communicative. All of these functions are common to all metazonas (mutli-cellular animals)
and point to the early origin of the integumentary system. The evolution of a highly keratinized
epidermis (preventing dehydration) along with the amniotic sac (permitting embryonic
development within an internal aqueous environment) are the key adaptations that permitted a
switch to a completely terrestrial life for the amniotes (mammals and reptiles including birds).
As relatively sparsely haired (non-furry) mammals, humans have an unusually thick epidermis
(just like pachyderms, rhinoceri and suids) and the consequences of this on integumentary
function (e.g., gas exchange, thermoregulation, excretion) will be explored.
Advance Assignment
Prior to coming to class, you must read the following:
Chapters 15 and 21 in Ross and Pawlina, 7th ed.
The class notes for “Endocrine System” and “Integumentary System”.
Be prepared to take a 10-question, multiple-choice Readiness Assessment Test (RAT) based
on the material in the class notes. However, be sure also to read the book chapters to enhance
your general understanding of the material and to provide a source of relevant diagrams, tables, and
micrographs, which you should consult when studying the class notes.
Required materials for Group Application Exercise
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Lecture notes for Endocrine System and Integumentary System
Lab notes for Endocrine System and Integumentary System
Text book (copy provided; see below concerning electronic versions)
Stedman's or Dorland's Medical Dictionary (one copy provided)
Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (copies provided)
DiFiore’s Atlas (one copy provided)
Electronic devices: During the TBL application exercise, computer use is limited to
accessing only the electronic version of the course textbook. Hard copies of the
textbook are provided. No other resources (either on the hard drive or via the
internet) can be accessed using your computer. No other electronic devices (e.g.,
cell phones, PDAs, cameras, etc.) other than a calculator are permitted.