Function of the Skin - Some of the Important Functions of your Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. It further protects the body from drying out overheating and does not allow undesired germs to penetrate into it. The skin is closely connected with the psyche. It receives touch stimuli through the sense organ and reacts on pressure and temperature.

The layers of the epidermis differentiate and gradually develop to a more rigid structure, which provides a barrier to excessive loss of body fluids and the penetration of noxious substances. The basal layer is the precursor of the different cells of the epidermis which divide, pushed further upwards, loosing much of their metabolic function and enzymatic activity.

In adults, the skin represents 16% of the total body weight. Skin forms a barrier that protects us from the outside world, especially from infection and injury, and it prevents the loss of water and other body fluids. In addition to protecting us from the toxic effect of ultraviolet radiations by producing melanin.

Important Functions:-

Skin has many functions, and is far more than a mere decoration for the body. Some of these functions are so important that unless most of the skin is working efficiently, we will die.

The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin has three principal functions:

• It helps in protecting the body from the environment, particularly the sun.
• The excessive water loss from the body is prevented by the skin.
• Skin helps to protecting the body from infections.

The sun produces enormous amounts of heat and light, some of which reaches the earth. Without this heat and light no life could ever have evolved. Unfortunately the sun also produces less beneficial rays, which are completely invisible to us, called ultraviolet radiation.

The most important functions of the skin are as:-

• It helps to regulate the body temperature.

• It prevents the loss of essential body fluids, and penetration of toxic substances.

• Skin provides the mechanical support to the body.

• It provides external covering of the body.

• It help to protect the body from dirt and infection.

• Sensory organ for touch, heat, cold, socio-sexual and emotional sensations.