Dr Lalitha Badul
Continued from last week
Excretion
The skin is the body’s largest waste removal system. Toxins are released through the sweat glands and pores.
ALSO READ: Doctor’s advice: Understanding the skin
Secretion
The skin secretes sebum, a mixture of oils that keeps the skin soft and supple. The layer of sebum on the outermost layer of the skin is known as the acid mantle. When intact the acid mantle has a PH that ranges from 4.5-5.5. The acid mantle is acidic in nature to protect the skin from outside invasion.
Regulation
The skin regulates the body’s temperature by sweating; when water from sweat on the skin evaporates it gives off heat and cools the body. The body’s temperature increases or by shivering or getting goosebumps when the body is cold. The contraction of muscles releases energy that warms the body.
READ THIS: Doctor’s advice: Different skin disorders
Sensation
The skin contains millions of nerve endings that transport stimuli. These nerve endings allow humans to detect sensation such as heat, cold, pain and pressure.
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