Medical Terminology Chapter 4 Functions of the Skin

Excretion

During perspiration, the sweat glands flush small amounts of waste products composed of water, salt, and organic compounds out of the body. (Organic compounds are the chemical compounds that make up living organisms).

Important Integumentary Functions

Protection, maintenence of body temperature, excretion, perception of stimuli.

Perception of Stimuli

The skin contains a large number of nerve endings and receptors that detect stimuli related to temperature, touch, pressure, and pain. Specialized nerve fibers in the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis (the outermost skin layer), act as receptors for the sensations of pain, temperature, pressure, and touch. The locations of these nerve endings vary. The receptors for touch (also called tactile receptors) are closer to the epidermis, whereas the receptors for pressure are deeper within the dermis.

Body Temperature Maintenance

The skin contains sweat glands that secrete fluid in the form of perspiration. This process helps regulate the body's internal temperature.

Protection

The skin covers the body and acts as a physical barrier that protects underlying tissues from physical damage, ultraviolet rays, and pathogenic invasion. By containing fluids in the body, the skin also protects again dehydration.