Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

• A. Regulation of body temperature
• B. Synthesis of vitamin D
• C. Production of red blood cells
• D. Protection against pathogens

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the primary functions of the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including protection, temperature regulation, and synthesis of vitamin D.
2. Step 2: Understand the role of the skin in regulating body temperature. The skin achieves this through mechanisms such as sweating and vasodilation or vasoconstriction of blood vessels in response to environmental conditions.
3. Step 3: Explore the synthesis of vitamin D. The skin contains cells that produce vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
4. Step 4: Examine the protection function of the skin. The skin acts as a physical barrier against pathogens, preventing infections and shielding internal organs from environmental damage.
5. Step 5: Analyze the production of red blood cells. This function is not associated with the skin but rather with the bone marrow, where hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cells) occurs. Therefore, this is the correct answer to the question.