Question

chapter 5 check your understanding question 6
1 part | -- of 1 point

2 tries

which of the following is a metabolic function of skin?

○ cutaneous sensation

○ body temperature regulation

○ synthesis of a vitamin d precursor

○ elimination of nitrogenous wastes

Explanation:

To determine the metabolic function of the skin, we analyze each option:

• "Cutaneous sensation" is a sensory function, not metabolic.
• "Body temperature regulation" is a homeostatic (regulatory) function, not strictly metabolic (metabolism involves chemical reactions for energy or molecule synthesis/breakdown).
• "Synthesis of a vitamin D precursor" involves a chemical reaction (metabolic process) where the skin produces a precursor to vitamin D when exposed to UV light.
• "Elimination of nitrogenous wastes" is mainly done by the kidneys, and the skin's excretion (sweat) has minimal nitrogenous waste elimination, so it's not a primary metabolic function of the skin.

Answer:

C. synthesis of a vitamin D precursor