The skin, our body's largest organ, performs several crucial functions to protect and maintain our health. While the reference only lists some functions, here are 7 main functions of the skin:
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Protection: The skin acts as a physical barrier, shielding underlying tissues from injury, harmful chemicals, UV radiation, and pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
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Sensation: The skin contains a vast network of nerve endings that detect a wide range of sensations, including temperature, pressure, pain, touch, and vibration. This sensory input allows us to interact with and respond to our environment.
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Thermoregulation: The skin helps regulate body temperature through mechanisms such as sweating (evaporation cools the body) and vasoconstriction/vasodilation of blood vessels (controlling heat loss or retention).
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Vitamin D Synthesis: When exposed to sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
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Immunity: Langerhans cells, located in the epidermis, are specialized immune cells that capture and process antigens, triggering an immune response to protect the body from infection.
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Excretion: The skin eliminates small amounts of waste products, such as salts, water, and urea, through sweat glands.
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Storage: The subcutaneous layer of the skin stores lipids (fats), which provide insulation, cushioning, and energy reserves. The skin also plays a role in storing water.
