What is the primary function of the integumentary system?

The primary function of the integumentary system is to protect the body. This system includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands, all of which serve as a barrier against environmental hazards such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical injuries. The skin, as the most visible component of the integumentary system, plays a critical role in safeguarding underlying tissues and organs from harm while also preventing excessive water loss.

Additionally, the integumentary system is involved in sensory perception, helping the body detect changes in the environment, such as temperature and pressure. It also contributes to thermoregulation, which maintains the internal body temperature through processes like sweating and vasodilation or constriction. These protective functions are vital for the maintenance of overall health and homeostasis.