What is another term for the integumentary system?

The integumentary system is primarily composed of the skin, which acts as the body's first line of defense and plays a crucial role in protecting underlying tissues and organs. It comprises two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis, and it also includes accessory structures such as hair, nails, and glands. Referring to the integumentary system as "skin" accurately encapsulates its primary function and structure, as skin is the most visible and significant component of this system.

Other terms listed, such as dermis, hypodermis, and subcutaneous layer, refer specifically to parts or layers of the skin rather than the entire integumentary system. The dermis is the inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis, while the hypodermis and subcutaneous layer refer to the tissue beneath the dermis that contains fat and connective tissue. Thus, while those terms are related to the skin's structure, they do not encompass the whole integumentary system.