Skin is an organ, not a gland. It is the largest organ in the body, providing a protective barrier against the external environment. The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.
While the skin contains various glands, like sweat glands and sebaceous glands, these are parts of the skin organ, not the organ itself. Glands are specialized tissues that secrete substances, while organs are made up of different tissues that work together to perform a specific function.
- Sweat glands are responsible for sweating, which helps regulate body temperature.
- Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that keeps the skin moisturized and protected.
These glands are embedded within the skin, contributing to its overall function.
