Functions of skin, Biology

Assignment Help:

FUNCTIONS OF SKIN -

Skin performs various diverse functions, that is why it is called "jack of all trades".

1.      Protection - The skin protects the internal soft organs from mechanical injuries.

2.      Prevention of water loss - The skin prevents loss of water (dehydration) from internal organs.

3.      Maintenance of body form - The skin helps in maintenance of the body shape.

4.      Barrier to germs and poisons- The skin prevents the entry of micro-organisms and absorption of poisonous materials.

5.      Safety against sunburn - Melanin of the epidermal cells protects against the invisible ultra violet rays of the sun.

6.      Chemical defence - The sweat oil and wax 'of cutaneous glands contain lactic acid and fatty acids which make the pH acidic enough to kill or slow down growth of many bacteria and fungi.

7.      Thermoregulation (Regulation of body temperature) - The normal body temperature of man is 98.4°F (=37°C).

It is maintained in both summer and winter seasons. In summer the cutaneous blood vessels dilate which causes loss of heat. The sweat is vaporised from the surface of the skin which decreases its temperature. In winter the cutaneous blood vessels constrict and thereby less heat is lost from the body. The subcutaneous fat conserves body heat.

8.      Excretion and Homeostasis - Sweat secreted by sweat glands is excretory product (metabolic wastes). During ecdysis (removal of epidermal cells from stratum corneum), keratin (formed from waste proteins) is removed which is also an excretory product. Removal of metabolic wastes helps in keeping the internal environment of the body constant (homeostasis).

9.      Secretion - Human cutaneous glands secrete sebum, sweat, milk, ear wax, etc.

10.     Sensation - The skin has abundant receptors for touch, heat, cold, pain, pressure, etc.

11.     Synthesis of Vitamin D - The skin is capable of forming vitamin D from a cholesterol derivative in the presence of sunlight.

12.     Formation of bones and teeth - Dermis of the skin gives rise to the dermal bones of the skull. Teeth are formed from both the epidermis and the dermis.

13.     Aid in physical examination - Yellowish colour of skin indicates jaundice. Certain rashes or lesions show infectious disease like measles, chicken pox, small pox, syphilis, allergy etc. The skin also reveals age of the person.

14.     Storage of food - The subdermal portion of the skin stores fat.

15.     Absorption - The skin can absorb oil, ointments, etc. through the opening of sweat glands and hair follicles, if applied and rubbed. The skin also absorbs light for the benefit of internal tissues.

16.     Colour - Melanin in the epidermal cells give colour to the skin.

17.     Healing of Wounds - The epidermis of the skin has a great power of regeneration. It helps in rapid healing of wounds.


Related Discussions:- Functions of skin

Why isnt gas exchange done through cutaneous diffusion, In arthropods why i...

In arthropods why isn't gas exchange done through cutaneous diffusion? In arthropods the impermeability of the exoskeleton makes the passage of gases complex. In addition the n

Common disease of goats, COMMON DISEASE OF GOATS - 1 .       ANTHRAX ...

COMMON DISEASE OF GOATS - 1 .       ANTHRAX 2 .       FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE 3 .       CONTAGIOUS PNEUMONIA - Characterized by pneumonia & pleurisy, cough, snee

Draw on knowledge of electron distribution, While waiting at an airport , n...

While waiting at an airport , nail Campbell once overheard this claim, its paranoid and ignorant to worry about industry or agriculture contaminating the environment with chemical

Palpation , Palpation: Use the ball of one hand  and move the hand  from ...

Palpation: Use the ball of one hand  and move the hand  from one side of the posterior thorax to other. Note presence of swelling, masses, muscle tone, fremitus and crepitation.

Explain somatic hybridisation, a) Explain somatic hybridisation? b) De...

a) Explain somatic hybridisation? b) Describe the various steps involved in the process. Mention any two uses of somatic hybridisation

Carbohydrate case study, CT is a 3 year old female who develops signs of hy...

CT is a 3 year old female who develops signs of hypoglycemia in the early morning unless she is fed during the night.  CT eats balanced meals for her age group during the day, with

425, #questionThree actographs (look closely to see the labels A, B, and C)...

#questionThree actographs (look closely to see the labels A, B, and C). Assume that the abscissa is either 24 or 48 hours for each actograph. You are asked to write two sentences f

Male reproductive disorders-congenital disorders, Congenital disorders ...

Congenital disorders Poor fertilizing quality of semen could be due to impaired spermatogenesis. When such a condition is due to genetic congenital causes the treatment is not

What are the main available vaccines against poliomyelitis, Q. What are the...

Q. What are the main available vaccines against poliomyelitis? The vaccines (medicines) used against poliomyelitis are the Sabin vaccine and the Salk vaccine. The Sabin vaccine

Kingdom protista, how many phylum does kingdom protista has?

how many phylum does kingdom protista has?

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd