Structure:
The skin is the body's largest organ, or biological
system, containing many sense organs, exocrine glands, pigmented cells,
and specialized covers such as feathers or hair, and nails.
Function:
The integument provides a large surface and specialized
sense organs for contacting and interpreting the environment externally.
Internally, the skin protects the other body systems by secreting oils
or mucus to cover and make the skin soft and plastic, controlling temperature
(warm blooded animals), providing exchange of respiratory
gasses, serves as a barrier to microorganisms, and conserves
fluids.Sexual attraction
is established, in part, by gross features,
and the appearance and smell of the skin.
