Which of the following is a primary function of the skin?

Which of the following is a primary function of the skin?

• A. Regulate body temperature
• B. Produce insulin
• C. Store nutrients
• D. Absorb oxygen

Answer: (A)

The primary function of the skin is to regulate body temperature. The skin acts as a barrier and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis for the body. It achieves this through mechanisms such as sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) to help cool the body, and vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) to conserve heat when necessary. During physical activity or in hot environments, sweat glands produce moisture on the skin's surface, which evaporates and cools the body. Conversely, in cold conditions, blood flow to the skin is reduced to minimize heat loss. This temperature regulation is vital for overall health, allowing the body to function optimally in varying environmental conditions. While producing insulin, storing nutrients, and absorbing oxygen are important biological functions, they are not primary functions of the skin. Insulin is primarily produced by the pancreas, nutrients are typically stored in various organs like the liver and muscles, and oxygen is absorbed primarily in the lungs through the respiratory system.

The primary function of the skin is to regulate body temperature. The skin acts as a barrier and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis for the body. It achieves this through mechanisms such as sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) to help cool the body, and vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) to conserve heat when necessary.

During physical activity or in hot environments, sweat glands produce moisture on the skin's surface, which evaporates and cools the body. Conversely, in cold conditions, blood flow to the skin is reduced to minimize heat loss. This temperature regulation is vital for overall health, allowing the body to function optimally in varying environmental conditions.

While producing insulin, storing nutrients, and absorbing oxygen are important biological functions, they are not primary functions of the skin. Insulin is primarily produced by the pancreas, nutrients are typically stored in various organs like the liver and muscles, and oxygen is absorbed primarily in the lungs through the respiratory system.