Skin
By: July • Essay • 388 Words • December 18, 2009 • 755 Views
Essay title: Skin
The Skin The skin is the largest organ in the body. The skin has six main functions. First to protect, Second to absorb, Third to receive stimuli or sensations, Fourth regulate body temperature, Fifth eliminate waste, Sixth absorbs vitamin D.
The skins first job is to protect. It acts as a physical barrier, biological barrier, and a chemical barrier. The skin secretes Keratin which waterproofs the skin. It keeps water in and other water out. Its a biological barrier by protecting against foreign bacteria and viruses out. It has an acid mantle which acts as a chemical barrier.
The skins second job is to absorb. The skin absorbs many items such as: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, vitamin A,D, E, and K. It can absorb steroids from poison oak and poison ivy. It absorbs poisons such as, paint thinner, salt of heavy metals, mercury, and nickel.
The skins third job is to receive stimuli or sensations. The skin has large amounts of nerves running through it. It is very sensitive and will tell you if the surface is hot, cold, or if you are in pain. It gives you the sense of touch.
The fourth job of the skin is to regulate body temperature.