What is the body's first line of defense against electric shock?

The skin serves as the body's first line of defense against electric shock. It acts as a natural barrier that protects the internal tissues and organs from external environmental factors, including electrical currents.

When an electrical current comes into contact with the skin, the outermost layer, the epidermis, provides resistance to the flow of electricity. This resistance helps to prevent the current from entering deeper tissues. The condition of the skin — such as whether it is dry or wet — can affect its resistance, with wet skin providing less protection and increasing the risk of electric shock.

While the nervous system and reflex system play crucial roles in responding to stimuli and protecting the body from harm, their actions come into play after an electric shock has been detected. Mechanoreceptors are specialized sensory receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion, which is not directly related to electric shock defense. Therefore, while they contribute to the body's sensory responses, they do not serve the protective role of preventing electric shock that the skin does.