Final answer:
The skin does have microbial-inhibiting action and helps wash away particles containing microorganisms through shedding, secretions, and sebum with antibacterial properties, making the statement false. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question deals with the protective functions of the skin as part of the body's first line of defense against microorganisms. The skin indeed provides a multilayered barrier that is effective in inhibiting the growth of microbes. The outermost layer of skin periodically sheds, removing microorganisms that have adhered to the surface.
This shedding is a continuous and vital part of the skin's protective mechanism. Furthermore, the skin's sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that not only keeps the skin moisturized and hair waterproofed but also has antimicrobial properties due to its content of fatty acids. Sebum can inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms; however, it also has the potential to nourish others. Moreover, sweat glands excrete a fluid that, along with making regions of the skin moist, contains substances such as salt, lysozyme, and antimicrobial peptides which contribute to its microbial-inhibiting action.
Contrary to the latter part of the student's question, the skin does participate in washing away particles containing microorganisms. Sweat and other secretions can indeed physically remove microbes from the skin surface. Saliva in the oral cavity also contains enzymes that break down bacterial cell walls, further protecting against microbial infections.
In summary, while the statement suggests the skin does not help in washing away particles or have microbial-inhibiting action, this is incorrect. The skin, with its shedding of cells, secretions that can remove pathogens, and sebum with antibacterial properties, does help in both washing away potential pathogens and inhibiting microbial growth. The correct answer to the student's question is false.