What are two main functions of the skin?

The two main functions of the skin are to protect from dehydration and injury, as well as to regulate body temperature. The skin acts as a physical barrier that prevents the loss of moisture, helping to maintain hydration levels within the body. Additionally, it defends against various forms of physical and environmental injury, whether from pathogens, chemicals, or abrasion.

In terms of temperature regulation, the skin plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. It does this through mechanisms such as sweating, which cools the body via evaporation, and vasodilation or vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which helps manage heat loss or retention.

Understanding these functions is essential for recognizing the skin's vital role in overall health and its contribution to physiological stability. The context provided in this response helps to emphasize why the functions related to protection and temperature regulation underscore the skin's importance beyond just its structural characteristics.