PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What function does the integumentary system primarily serve?

1. Nutrition

2. Temperature regulation

3. Hormone secretion

4. Waste elimination

The correct answer is: Temperature regulation

The integumentary system, primarily consisting of the skin, serves several essential functions, with temperature regulation being a significant one. Through mechanisms such as sweating and blood vessel dilation or constriction, the integumentary system helps maintain a stable internal body temperature. When the body overheats, sweat glands produce sweat, which evaporates and cools the skin. Conversely, when the body is cold, blood vessels in the skin constrict to conserve heat. While the integumentary system is involved in aspects of nutrition, hormone secretion, and waste elimination, these functions are not its primary role. Nutrition primarily occurs through the digestive system, hormone secretion is mainly handled by the endocrine system, and waste elimination is primarily conducted by the urinary and digestive systems. Therefore, the primary function of the integumentary system is effectively temperature regulation.