subject: The Role Of Skin [print this page] As every one knows, the main role of skin is to protect our internal organs from the external environment. It protects us from ultraviolet rays from sun, micro-organisms and toxic chemicals. Skin never retreats in fighting against the antibodies.
It might be amazing to hear that skin protects us both internally and externally, and yes, our skin maintains the body temperature and absorbs shock and vibration, at the same time it also fights against the antibodies. The Langerhans cells which is a part of the adaptive immune system, is located in epidermis layer of the skin, and are responsible for fighting against the antibodies. When we get hurt, these cells automatically come into action and they help in healing.
The outermost layer of the epidermis contains a permissive barrier which prevents drying up of skin, because of this barrier we are able to survive in dry conditions. Sensing things is another major role of skin, which makes one, senses the heat, cold, pressure, vibration and touch. We are able to sense due to millions of nerve tips that are associated with the skin.
When skin becomes warmer the blood vessels gets expanded and they start to move freely, taking away the heat from the skin. Also the sweat glands start secreting the sweat to keep the skin cool. In cold conditions the hair stands still and the sweat glands get shrunk and the supply of the blood is closed in order to keep the body warm. Sebaceous glands of the dermis layer secrets oily substance that lubricates the skin maintaining it moisture. This oily substance acts also as a waterproof layer.
When this oily substance gets mixed up with sweat, it forms a sticky layer over the skin that protects it. In addition to sweat and oil secretion, skin also inhales and exhales air. Yes, skin intakes small amounts of oxygen and gives out carbon dioxide, unwanted gases and toxic substances. If these secretions are not taking place properly, then it might cause i acne, swelling and dull complexion of skin. Skin is a pores layer that allows some substances to pass through it. It is this feature that allows medicine which is applied as ointments and cream, to penetrate into the skin.
In addition to all these, skin plays a significant role when it comes to the appearance part, that is when others see our skin (face), they get to know how our attitude is, in what mood we are, what is our physical state and so on. Collagen which means "glue producer" is responsible in keeping our skin soft. Collagen forms 75% of our skin which is made up of protein.
The melanin content in the skin is an important ingredient of the skin, which is responsible for the skin color. When this content is more in the skin, the skin appears dark and when the melanin content is less the skin appears fair. The melanin content in the skin protects us from the ultra violet radiation of the skin. This is why our skin turns dark when we are exposed to sunlight for long time.
