The primary roles of the pores in the skin are for secretion and temperature regulation:
* Releasing Sweat: Tiny sweat pores, connected to eccrine glands, release perspiration to the surface of the skin. The evaporation of this sweat is essential for cooling the body down and regulating core temperature (thermoregulation).
* Secreting Sebum (Oil): Larger oil pores are openings for hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which produce and secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum lubricates and protects the skin, keeping it healthy and supple.
* Excretion of Waste: Pores allow for the elimination of minor amounts of metabolic waste, such as nitrogenous compounds, via sweat.