Oregon Esthetician State Board

Which of the following is NOT a skin function related to the regulation of body temperature?

1. Sensation

2. Heat regulation

3. Excretion

4. Protection

The correct answer is: Sensation

The regulation of body temperature is primarily associated with specific skin functions that directly contribute to maintaining homeostasis. Heat regulation is a vital function, where the skin assists in dissipating heat via processes such as sweating and adjusting blood flow in response to temperature changes. Excretion also plays a role, as the skin can eliminate certain substances through sweat, further contributing to the cooling process of the body. Protection, while crucial for overall skin function, relates more to the skin's barrier properties, defending against environmental damage, pathogens, and moisture loss rather than temperature regulation. Sensation, though important for interacting with the environment, is primarily about detecting changes in the surroundings—such as touch, pain, or temperature—but does not contribute directly to the active process of regulating body temperature. Therefore, sensation is the function that does not relate to the regulation of body temperature in the same way as heat regulation, excretion, and protection do.