homeostasis of body fluids: keratinized epidermis prevents loss of water, macromolecules and electrolytes
temperature homeostasis: vasodilatation of blood vessels and sweating from eccrine glands involved in heat loss; hypodermal fat acts as insulating layer
sensation: temperature, pain, touch, proprioception, vibration are all indicated by cutaneous receptors
lubrication: sebaceous glands
waterproofing: sebaceous glands, layers of keratinocytes
manipulation and improved sensation of objects: nails
protection: from chemicals, particles, radiation, microbes, antigens via horny layer, melanocytes and antigen-presenting Langerhans cells
ultraviolet radiation shielding: melanocytes
shock absorption: dermis and hypodermis
vitamin D synthesis: keratinocytes
body odour: apocrine sweat glands
psychosocial: apocrine sweat glands, lips, hair, nails, melanocytes and tanning
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