Which organ serves as the body's outer protective layer and helps regulate temperature?

Which organ serves as the body's outer protective layer and helps regulate temperature?

• A. Liver
• B. Lungs
• C. Skin
• D. Heart

Answer: (C)

Skin serves as the body's outer protective layer and helps regulate temperature. It forms a barrier against injury, microbes, and water loss, and it contains sweat glands and blood vessels that adjust heat loss. Sweating cools the body as moisture evaporates, while the vessels can dilate to release more heat or constrict to retain heat. This combination keeps the body safe and comfortable. The liver handles nutrient processing and detoxification, the lungs exchange gases, and the heart pumps blood, but none provide the outer cover and direct heat-regulation function like the skin.

Skin serves as the body's outer protective layer and helps regulate temperature. It forms a barrier against injury, microbes, and water loss, and it contains sweat glands and blood vessels that adjust heat loss. Sweating cools the body as moisture evaporates, while the vessels can dilate to release more heat or constrict to retain heat. This combination keeps the body safe and comfortable. The liver handles nutrient processing and detoxification, the lungs exchange gases, and the heart pumps blood, but none provide the outer cover and direct heat-regulation function like the skin.