Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

Which of the following are functions of the skin?

1. Protection and thermoregulation

2. Heat regulation and blood circulation

3. Absorption and melanin production

4. Elasticity and sensation

The correct answer is: Protection and thermoregulation

The functions of the skin are diverse and vital for overall health, and one of the primary roles includes protection and thermoregulation. The skin serves as a barrier, safeguarding the underlying tissues from environmental hazards such as pathogens, UV radiation, and mechanical injury. Meanwhile, thermoregulation is crucial for maintaining the body's core temperature. The skin helps regulate body temperature through mechanisms such as sweating and blood flow adjustments, ensuring that the body does not overheat or become too cold. While the other options mention important functions of the skin, they either represent functions that are subsets of the broader roles identified in the correct answer or focus on specific aspects without encompassing the major systems involved in skin function. For instance, heat regulation is indeed part of thermoregulation, and absorption, blood circulation, and sensation also relate to various skin functions, but they do not capture the primary duality of protection and temperature control that is crucial to skin health and homeostasis. Therefore, the focus on protection and thermoregulation represents a foundational understanding of the skin's functions.