Final answer:
The skin does not help with digestion; instead, it serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature, provides sensory information, and synthesizes vitamin D among other functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of the Skin:
The skin performs several vital functions, including serving as a protective barrier against microorganisms, chemicals, and environmental factors, regulating body temperature, functioning as a sensory organ, and aiding in the synthesis of vitamin D. The skin is not involved in digestion, making option B) 'helps the body with digestion' the correct answer to the question: 'The skin performs all of the following functions except _____.'
Other functions of the skin include preventing dehydration, acting as a barrier to the entry of microorganisms, and playing a role in thermoregulation by producing sweat to cool the body and by adjusting the blood flow to the skin. Moreover, the underlying hypodermis, which is part of the skin, stores fats, provides insulation, and cushions underlying structures. The dermis, which is a layer of the skin, enables the sense of touch and helps eliminate wastes, while melanin protects the body from UV radiation.