The dermis contains several important glands. The sebaceous glands located near the hair follicles secrete oil to keep skin and hair soft and moist. The sudorferous glands secrete sweat to regulate temperature and are located under the dermis with ducts to the surface. The ceruminous glands secrete wax to stop dust entering the ear. Eye lashes filter out harmful particles.
Hair grows from follicles that contain the lower shaft and root of the hair.
The hair shaft projects through the dermis and epidermis and is kept soft by the sebaceous glands. Hair colour is determined by the concentration of melanin. These are not necessarily part of the Integumentary System, and are general to many of the other systems of the body. Connective tissues support and protect the body's organs, and bind organs together. There are many types of connective tissue, for example loose connective tissue occurs around organs and attaches the skin to the underlying tissues.