What are the primary roles of the skin in the human body?

The primary roles of the skin include protection and sensation, making this the correct choice.

The skin acts as a barrier that protects the underlying tissues and organs from various external threats, such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical injuries. This protective function is critical for maintaining overall health and preventing infections. Additionally, the skin plays a vital role in sensation. It contains a variety of nerve endings that allow the body to perceive touch, temperature, pressure, and pain. These sensations are essential for recognizing environmental changes and responding appropriately for the safety and well-being of the individual.

While other functions in the body are important, the regulation of body weight, production of digestive enzymes, and absorption of nutrients are not roles performed by the skin. Body weight is regulated by metabolic processes and energy balance within the body, which do not involve the skin directly. The production of digestive enzymes occurs in the pancreas and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, while nutrients are primarily absorbed in the intestines, not through the skin. Therefore, the skin’s main functions focus on protection and sensation.