The skin is the ________ organ of the body.

The skin is recognized as the largest organ of the body due to its extensive surface area and the numerous functions it serves. It encompasses the outer protective covering and accounts for approximately 15% of an individual's total body weight. The skin not only protects internal organs and structures but also plays a pivotal role in regulating temperature, preventing dehydration, and providing sensory information. This vast size and multifunctionality distinguish the skin as the largest organ, surpassing other organs in both dimensions and area coverage. Understanding the skin's role as the largest organ emphasizes its importance in overall health and veterinary medicine, where issues related to skin can indicate various systemic conditions in animals.