Your Skin: The Largest Organ of the Human Body

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. In the average adult it covers about 3000 square inches and weighs around six pounds, which is nearly twice the weight of the human brain or liver. The skin receives about one third of the blood that circulates through the body. It’s rugged, flexible and practically waterproof. The skin can regenerate and repair itself under most conditions. The skin also helps in the dissipation of sweat. The skin and its appendages are known as the integumentary system. 

It provides protection, thermoregulation, sensation, and allows secretion. The skin is made up of two main layers called the epidermis and the dermis. It also has a number of appendages like hair, nails and sweat glands.

As the protector of the body, the skin is the first defensive element against foreign substances entering the body as well as protecting the body from trauma. The melanin in our skin protects us from ultraviolet light. It protects our bodies from chemicals and most bacteria and other microorganisms. Our skin is slightly acidic to kill those bacteria and keep them from entering the body. 

The skin also helps regulate the body’s temperature. Temperature regulation is important to the survival of the body. Our bodies contain enzymes that are important for normal chemical reactions. Excessive heat can kill these enzymes and allow the bodies cellular machinery to break down. 

When external body temperatures increase blood vessels dilate and bring more blood to the surface causing body heat to decrease by radiation, convection, conduction or evaporation. Sweating is a way that the body regulates its temperature through evaporation.