Which statement best describes the integumentary system?

• A. Forms protective barrier and aids in temperature regulation (skin, hair, nails and sweat glands)
• B. Pumps blood
• C. Controls hormones
• D. Filters toxins

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the integumentary system acts as a protective barrier and helps regulate body temperature. The skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands work together to shield internal tissues from injury and infection, prevent excessive fluid loss, and support cooling through sweat and changes in blood flow to the skin. This combination—protection plus temperature regulation—is what the statement accurately describes about the integumentary system. Other options describe functions of different body systems: pumping blood is the heart and vessels (cardiovascular), controlling hormones is the endocrine system, and filtering toxins is mainly the job of the liver and kidneys (with some minor excretion via sweat).