FUNCTION OF THE SKIN

FUNCTION OF THE SKIN

Skin and subcutaneous tissue have several important functions: /uni25CF Barrier to the environment enveloping the body and pro tecting against trauma, radiation and pathogens. Secreted sebum and sweat mix to form a microscopic acidic film across the epidermis – ‘the acid mantle’ – which is protec tive against microorg anisms and toxic substances. /uni25CF Regulates temperature and water homeostasis. /uni25CF Organ of excretion for urea, sodium chloride, potassium and water, as well as sulphur-containing metabolites from drugs (e.g. dimethyl sulphoxide) or food (garlic, cumin). /uni25CF The skin has significant endocrine and metabolic functions and interactions. Skin cells contain receptors for and re spond to peptides, steroid sex hormones, thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters and they both produce (cholecalcif erol) and metabolise (androgens) hormones and precursors to activa te, potentiate and inactivate their functions. /uni25CF Sensory organ with multiple receptors for pain, pressure and movement. FUNCTION OF THE SKIN

Skin and subcutaneous tissue have several important functions: /uni25CF Barrier to the environment enveloping the body and pro tecting against trauma, radiation and pathogens. Secreted sebum and sweat mix to form a microscopic acidic film across the epidermis – ‘the acid mantle’ – which is protec tive against microorg anisms and toxic substances. /uni25CF Regulates temperature and water homeostasis. /uni25CF Organ of excretion for urea, sodium chloride, potassium and water, as well as sulphur-containing metabolites from drugs (e.g. dimethyl sulphoxide) or food (garlic, cumin). /uni25CF The skin has significant endocrine and metabolic functions and interactions. Skin cells contain receptors for and re spond to peptides, steroid sex hormones, thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters and they both produce (cholecalcif erol) and metabolise (androgens) hormones and precursors to activa te, potentiate and inactivate their functions. /uni25CF Sensory organ with multiple receptors for pain, pressure and movement. FUNCTION OF THE SKIN

Skin and subcutaneous tissue have several important functions: /uni25CF Barrier to the environment enveloping the body and pro tecting against trauma, radiation and pathogens. Secreted sebum and sweat mix to form a microscopic acidic film across the epidermis – ‘the acid mantle’ – which is protec tive against microorg anisms and toxic substances. /uni25CF Regulates temperature and water homeostasis. /uni25CF Organ of excretion for urea, sodium chloride, potassium and water, as well as sulphur-containing metabolites from drugs (e.g. dimethyl sulphoxide) or food (garlic, cumin). /uni25CF The skin has significant endocrine and metabolic functions and interactions. Skin cells contain receptors for and re spond to peptides, steroid sex hormones, thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters and they both produce (cholecalcif erol) and metabolise (androgens) hormones and precursors to activa te, potentiate and inactivate their functions. /uni25CF Sensory organ with multiple receptors for pain, pressure and movement.