The
human skin in an organ – the largest of the body. It provides a tough, flexible
covering, with many different important functions.
Functions of Skin:
Protection:
The skin protects the body from
potentially harmful substances and conditions.
·
The
outer surface Bactericidal, helping
to prevent the multiplication of harmful micro-organism. It also prevents the
absorption of many substances (unless the surface is broken), because of the construction
of the cell on its outer surface which form a chemical and physical barrier.
·
The
skin cushions the underlying structures from physical injury.
·
The
skin provides waterproof coating. Its
natural oil, sebum, prevents the
skin from losing vital water, and thus prevents skin dehydration.
·
The
skin contains a pigment called melanin.
This absorbs harmful rays of ultraviolet light.
Heat Regulation:
Body temperature is controlled in part by heat loss
through the skin and sweating.
Excretion:
Small
amounts of certain waste products,
such as water and salt, are removed from the body by excretion through the
surface of the skin.
Warning:
The
skin affords a warning system against outside invasion. Redness and irritation of the skin indicate that the skin is
intolerant to something, either external or internal.
Sensitivity:
The
skin allows the feeling of touch,
pressure, pain, heat and cold and also allows us to recognize objects by
their feeling and shape.
Nutrition:
The
Skin provides storage for fat, which
provides an energy reserve. It is also responsible for producing a significant proportion
of our Vitamin D, which is created
by a chemical action when sunlight is in contact with the skin.
Moisture Control:
The
skin controls the movement of moisture from within the deeper layers of the
skin.
Source: Beauty Therapy, by Lorraine Nordmann
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