Functions of the Skin

Question 1

Protection

Answer 1

Skin protects the body from injury and bacterial invasion. Outermost layer of epidermis is resistant to water, temperature, minor injuries, chemically active substances, and many other forms of bacteria by a thin layer of sebum and fatty lipids.

Question 2

Sensation

Answer 2

Stimulating different sensory nerve endings, the skin responds to heat, cold touch, pressure, and pain.

Question 3

Heat Regulation

Answer 3

Skin protects the body from the environment maintaining an internal body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. If it gets hot the body cools itself with blood and sudoriferous glands of the skin.

Question 4

Excretion

Answer 4

Perspiration from the sudoriferous glands excreted through the skin takes salt and unwanted chemicals with it.

Question 5

Secretion

Answer 5

Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands which lubricates the skin and hair. Emotional stress and hormone imbalance can increase the flow of sebum.

Question 6

Absorption

Answer 6

Some ingredients can be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin but very few can penetrate the epidermis.