Which statement is true about the skin?

• A. It regulates body temperature
• B. It processes nutrients
• C. It stores hormones
• D. It conducts nerve impulses

Answer: (A)

Regulating body temperature is a key function of the skin. It does this mainly through sweat and blood flow. Sweat glands release moisture that cools you as it evaporates, and blood vessels near the skin can widen to release heat or narrow to conserve heat. The skin isn’t where nutrients are processed, hormones are stored, or nerve impulses are conducted across the body—the body handles those in the digestive system, endocrine system, and nervous system, respectively. The skin does have sensory receptors, but the actual transmission of nerve impulses is carried by nerves. So, describing the skin as regulating body temperature best reflects its essential role.