dissipation of
the heat generated by the metabolism [1].
Although the skin has an important endocrine
activity and may have an excretion of sweat
exceeding in volume the output of the kidney, this
excretory activity is minor in the elimination of
solid residues. The protective and impermeable
qualities of the skin protect the organism from
losing water, minerals and dissolved proteins, as
would occur rapidly if the unprotected subcutaneous
tissues were exposed to the environment.