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The area of skin on the body where this contact is made
This absorption limitation provided by the skin, helps to protect the body against the entry of harmful chemicals.
Exchange of gases Have you ever heard it said that the skin can breathe? Well, it basically does – oxygen can enter and carbon dioxide can escape- the exchanging of gases. Obviously this does not occur in great enough quantities to sustain life without normal breathing, but it is still a necessity for health.
Temperature control The body needs to maintain a fairly constant internal temperature in order to function properly. When the internal body temperature increases, the blood vessels in the skin dilate (expand). This allows a larger amount of warm blood to flow through a larger area of the skin and closer to the surface, allowing heat to be radiated out of the body. When this alone does not cool the body sufficiently, the body begins to sweat and as this moisture (now on the skin surface) evaporates, it reduces the temperature in the body. When we are cold, our blood vessels constrict (narrow) reducing the surface area from which blood heat can be lost to the outside environment. Storage of adipose (fatty) tissue also helps to aid as insulation against cold. The hairs on our bodies are also a form of temperature control. When we are cold, we get 'goose bumps' where our hairs ‘stand on end’ in an attempt by the body to trap the radiating heat in and keep it close to the skin.
Excretion of toxins As we sweat we excrete toxins that are contained in the skin, helping to maintain a healthier internal environment.
Protection against internal damage The hypodermis is made up of adipose (fatty) tissue which acts as a cushioning agent against damage from bumps and knocks. The fatty tissue storage is also the body’s way of preventing death too quickly in times of famine. It acts as an emergency energy supply that is held in storage until required.
Secretion The skin, as stated before, secretes sebum on to the surface of the skin. Apart from creating the acidic environment, the sebum creates a barrier on the surface of the skin. This barrier not only prevents outside elements from entering, but prevents moisture loss from the skin itself, helping to keep the skin and the internal body hydrated.
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