Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What is one function of the integument system?

1. Produce bile

2. Regulate body temperature

3. Control digestion

4. Transfer nutrients

The correct answer is: Regulate body temperature

The integument system, commonly known as the skin, serves several vital functions in the body. One of the primary roles is to regulate body temperature. The skin achieves this through processes such as sweating and altering blood flow. When the body temperature rises, sweat glands produce sweat, which evaporates from the skin's surface, cooling the body. Conversely, when the body is cold, blood vessels near the skin constrict, reducing blood flow to the surface and conserving warmth. While other systems perform important functions—like bile production in the liver, digestion in the gastrointestinal system, and nutrient transfer primarily by the digestive system—these processes are not related to the integument system. The focus on temperature regulation highlights the skin's crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting the body from overheating or excessive cooling.