Skin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skin
Skin of an elephant
Latin	Cutis

Close view of the skin on a human hand.

A close up picture of a rhinoceros skin.

Skin is the outer layer that covers the bodies of animals. The skin looks very different on various animals. For example, many animals have hair or fur on their skin. Birds have feathers, while most fish and reptiles, like snakes, have scales.

Human skin usually has tiny hairs that are hard to see. Some people have more visible hair than others. We have longer hair on parts of our bodies, like our heads. Men also grow beards.

The skin of cows can be turned into leather. Leather is a strong material used to make shoes, bags, and balls. Sometimes, people also say that fruits like apples and bananas, or vegetables like potatoes, have "skins."

What Does Skin Do?

Your skin does many important jobs to keep you healthy. It's like a superhero shield for your body!

Skin as a Protector

Your skin acts as a strong barrier. It protects your body from tiny germs called pathogens. It also keeps you safe from harm from the outside world. Special cells in your skin, called Langerhans cells, help your body fight off sickness.

Skin and Your Senses

Your skin is full of tiny nerve endings. These nerves help you feel many things. You can feel if something is hot or cold. You can also feel touch, pressure, and even if you get hurt. This helps you react quickly to your surroundings.

Skin Controls Body Temperature

Skin helps your body stay at the right temperature. When you get hot, tiny sweat glands release sweat. This helps cool you down. Blood vessels in your skin also get wider to let heat escape. When you are cold, these vessels get smaller to keep heat inside.

Skin Keeps Water In

Your skin is like a waterproof suit. It stops your body from losing too much fluid. It also keeps important nutrients inside. The outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis, helps with this. Oily stuff called sebum also helps keep your skin hydrated.

Skin Can Absorb Things

Your skin can take in small amounts of things from the air. For example, tiny bits of Oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through it. Some animals even use their skin to breathe! Also, some medicines can be put on your skin and absorbed into your body.

Skin Helps Animals Hide

For many animals, their skin helps them blend in. Whether it's bare skin, fur, scales, or feathers, skin colors and patterns can hide animals. This helps them stay safe from predators or sneak up on their prey.

Images for kids

• 

  Frog Gland Anatomy: This picture shows different parts of a frog's skin.

See also

In Spanish: Piel para niños