Final answer:
The accessory structures of the integument include hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, all of which are important for protection, secretion, and thermoregulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Accessory Structures of the Integumentary System
The accessory structures of the integument include hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. These structures are integral to the integumentary system, which consists of the skin and its accessory organs, such as hair and nails. Accessory structures embryologically originate from the epidermis but can extend down through the dermis into the hypodermis.
Each hair follicle is associated with a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum to coat and waterproof the hair. Hair and nails are made of dead keratinized cells, with hair getting its color from melanin pigments. Nails protect the extremities of our fingers and toes. Sweat glands play a key role in thermoregulation by secreting water and salts to cool the body when necessary.