integumentary

/ɪntɛgjuˈmɛntəri/

/ɪntɛgjuˈmɛntəri/

The structures on the outermost part of a plant or an animal's body make up its integumentary system. Integumentary means "forming a tough, protective layer."

Your integumentary system includes your skin, hair, and fingernails, while your cat's is made up of his fur, skin, whiskers, and claws. Even plants have an integumentary system of hairs and an epidermis. All of these structures keep the organism safe. In the case of humans, our integumentary system also keeps us hydrated, regulates our body temperature, and allows us to sense the environment around us. The Latin source, integumentum, means "a covering."

Definitions of integumentary

1. adjective

   of or relating to the integument
   synonyms: integumental