Question

Integument of humans
A. Conserves heat in winter
B. Loses heat during summer
C. Protects body
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Answer lies in the name integuments. It is the other word used for skin. So, here just recall important skin functions for the human body. Largest organ in humans is the skin. The three layers of integumentary system are epidermis, dermis and hypodermis referring to outer, inner and middle layers. Integuments are also known to have sensory receptors.

Complete answer:
Three main layers that were mentioned above have different utilities and functions. The epidermis can be imagined as the body's first line of defense against harmful radiations, bacteria etc. It has pores that manages the entry of dirt and oils. The second is the dermis which lies just below epidermis. Nerve endings are present here. Hypodermis is the site for fat deposition and storage.

Conservation of heat in winter and losing heat during summer: They are controlled by a process called Thermoregulation where the body can maintain its own internal temperature according to surrounding weathers. For the body to cool down, sweating occurs which can cool the skin. For times when the body is to heat up, vasoconstriction plays an important role in narrowing the blood vessels.

Skin definitely protects the body because it is like a barrier that does not allow the body to get exposed directly to harmful things like toxic substances.
So, all the above options are valid.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Skin is the one that holds up all the parts like muscles, organs and bones. Without it, these would be just hanging out all over the body. Without the skin’s proper functioning, one could get different skin infections like cellulitis and folliculitis. The outer layer of skin has dead cells which periodically gets shed off. As now we understand the importance of integuments or skin, we should protect it from excessive heat and cold, bad chemicals and from changing temperatures.