Firstly, it performs an essential protective role. Because of its resilience or ability to resume its previous shape after deformation, it can withstand considerable trauma without permanent damage. This mechanical barrier is mainly due to the arrangement and nature of the collagen and elastic fibres in the dermis. It also constitutes an effective barrier to the passage of substances into or out of the skin. This chemical barrier is provided by the layered cells of the epidermis, which impede the loss of water and body salts and prevent the penetration of external substances.
Secondly, the skin is a most effective and essential sensory organ. This is a result of it being richly supplied with nerve endings, which provide an effective sensory defence against potentially harmful stimuli. It also acts as a ‘relay station’ between external influences and internal organs, via a network of nerve fibres. Of equal importance, is its role as an organ of expression: for instance we may express anxiety by sweating, fear by pallor, anger by redness, pain as a grimace, or happiness with a smile.
Thirdly, the skin acts as a remarkable thermostat. This is mainly achieved by its blood vessels and sweat glands. The metabolic processes of the body continually produce heat, which must be dissipated to maintain a constant body temperature. Under normal environmental conditions this may be achieved by varying the diameter of the blood vessels in the skin, resulting in changes in the volume of the blood flow. This blood flow can be varied 100-fold from maximum constriction to maximum dilation of the vessels. Increased blood flow is accompanied by increased heat loss, whereas a reduced blood flow retains heat.
If, however, blood flow alterations are insufficient to regulate the body temperature, then the sweat glands are activated. This will occur with extreme external temperature increases, excessive exertion, or the fever accompanying an illness. The sweat bathes the skin and cooling results from its evaporation.
Fourthly, the skin plays an active part in the body’s defence against such micro-organisms as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The surface of the skin is never sterile. It is host to a permanent resident colony of various bacteria which are relatively innocuous. Their presence, however, inhibits the growth of more dangerous organisms on the skin. Further protection is provided by the dryness of the skin’s surface. Most organisms are relatively intolerant to dry conditions, much preferring humid or moist environments. The continual shedding of the superficial epidermis also discourages bacterial invaders. Sebum, the oily secretion produced by the active sebaceous glands, contains fatty adds which have a strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal action. A thin coating of this on the skin provides a further protection.
Finally, the skin is an important barrier against damaging ionizing radiation, such as ultra-violet light. For skin unprotected by hair or clothing, the only significant defence against the destructive effects of U.V.L. is melanin. Without melanin the epidermis would be a thin transparent membrane, allowing
U.V.L to damage the sensitive structure of the dermis. Melanin is a complicated large protein produced by special cells, melanocytes in the basal layer. From there it is distributed throughout the epidermis. The amount of melanin in the epidermis governs the colour of a person’s skin: the more melanin, the darker the skin colour. There is no difference though in the number of melanocytes in white and in black skin. The difference is simply one of activity, reflected in the amount of melanin or pigment these cells produce. Various factors may influence this, including sun exposure, pregnancy, various hormonal disorders, and drugs.
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