The three most important functions of the skin are protection, thermoregulation, and sensation.
- Protection: The skin acts as a barrier against physical, chemical, and biological threats. It protects the body from harmful UV radiation, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
- Thermoregulation: The skin helps regulate body temperature through sweating and shivering. When the body is hot, sweat evaporates, cooling the skin. When the body is cold, the blood vessels in the skin constrict, reducing heat loss.
- Sensation: The skin contains numerous sensory receptors that allow us to feel touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. These sensations are crucial for our interaction with the environment and for our survival.
