How does the skin contribute to maintaining a constant body temperature in humans?

• A. By regulating blood flow through vasodilation and vasoconstriction
• B. By generating electrical impulses to control muscle movement
• C. By producing insulin to lower blood glucose levels
• D. By secreting digestive enzymes to break down food

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the skin in thermoregulation: The skin helps maintain a constant body temperature by controlling heat loss or retention through mechanisms like vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
2. Define vasodilation: Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which increases blood flow and allows more heat to be released from the body into the environment.
3. Define vasoconstriction: Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which reduces blood flow and minimizes heat loss, helping to retain body heat.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The skin does not generate electrical impulses, produce insulin, or secrete digestive enzymes. These functions are carried out by other systems in the body, such as the nervous system, pancreas, and digestive system, respectively.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'By regulating blood flow through vasodilation and vasoconstriction,' as this directly relates to the skin's role in maintaining body temperature.