Functions of the Skin

- The skin serves as a barrier. It prevents certain substances such as water, ions and macromolecules from leaving the body, and, conversely, prevents water, some molecules and bacteria from entering the body. It is possible for epidermal cells to become swollen with water, at which time they allow some molecules to enter. This fact is used in the application of wet dressings. The barrier is also a mechanical one, protecting against such harmful agents as infrared radiation (here the superficial layers play a role), ultraviolet radiation (stopped by the hair and pigmentation) and biological agents.

- The skin plays a role in exchangesthrough its secretions, sweat and sebum. Apocrine and eccrine glands produce sweat (eccrine glands are found only on the nose and metacarpal pads). In dogs, sweat seems to serve only for local cooling of the skin. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands, which are attached to the hair follicles. It plays a protective role by destroying bacteria.

- The skin can also absorb medication or toxic agents, such as alcohol, as well as fat-soluble vitamins, sex hormones, etc. Finally, the skin can transfer heat when the temperature changes.

- The skin plays a role in metabolism by storing fat in the adipocytes of the panniculus. It is also very marginally involved in vitamin D3 production, which occurs when ultraviolet rays reach the superficial layers of the skin.

- The skin has a sensory function: Through nerve endings located in the dermis and panniculus, it can sense temperature, pressure, pain and contact with an object.

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