The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its
derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the
integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is
protection. It protects the body from external factors such as
bacteria, chemicals, and temperature.
Review Date: 01/13/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason
Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
