Functions of the Skin

Topic Content:

Functions of the Skin:

1. Protection: The skin protects the body against mechanical injury, ultraviolet rays of the sunlight, desiccation, and invasion by bacteria/germs.

2. Excretion and OsmoregulationOsmoregulation is the process by which an organism regulates the water balance in its body to maintain homeostasis. In animals, this process is brought about by osmoreceptors, which can detect changes... More: Excess water in sweat glands is excreted alongside other nitrogenous waste substances including urea.

3. Sensitivity: Different sense receptors are present in the skin. These receptors are sensitive to different environmental stimuli such as pain, touch, pressure, etc.

4. Production of Vitamin D: The skin manufactures vitamin D by using infrared rays of sunlight.

5. Mammary Glands are Present in the Skin . They are modifications of the skin. They help to produce milk for feeding young ones.

6. Storage of Food: Fats are stored under the skin of mammals forming an insulating layer. 

7. Moisture Balance: The skin functions as a barrier that prevents excessive water loss while allowing for some transpirationPlants absorb a lot of water and transpiration is a means by which excess water is removed More. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, acts as a protective barrier to minimize water loss and maintain hydration.

8. pH balance: The skin maintains a slightly acidic