Which of the following is a primary function of the skin?

The primary function of the skin is protection. The skin serves as the body's first line of defense against various environmental hazards, including pathogens, toxins, and physical injuries. It acts as a barrier that safeguards the underlying tissues and organs from damage. Additionally, the skin helps to prevent excessive water loss and regulates body temperature through processes such as perspiration.

While communication, digestion, and absorption of nutrients are important functions in other contexts, they are not primary functions of the skin. Communication, for instance, occurs through facial expressions and skin responses, but it is not the skin's main role. Digestion is a function of the gastrointestinal system, and absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the intestines, not through the skin. Therefore, the role of protection encapsulates the essential function that the skin provides in maintaining overall health and well-being.