Glands which furnish this secretion are found distributed more or less over the entire body. As we have explained, the majority of them open into the hair follicles, where they discharge their secretion, the use of which is to lubricate the skin and preserve its elasticity and softness. The sebaceous matter consists of two-thirds water, the remainder being fats, extractive matters, a small quantity of albumenoids, and earthy salts.

Summary

To sum up the functions of the skin: first in importance is the protection which it affords to the sensitive parts beneath; next, there is its sense of touch, variously developed in different parts of the surface of the body; then its power of perception of the weight and temperature of bodies, its use in some degree as an organ of respiration, and finally, its influence as an excretory and secretory structure.