American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is one of the primary functions of subcutaneous tissue?

1. To produce hormones

2. To provide structural support

3. To prevent loss of body heat

4. To produce new blood cells

The correct answer is: To prevent loss of body heat

One of the primary functions of subcutaneous tissue is to prevent loss of body heat. This layer of tissue, located beneath the dermis of the skin, is composed mainly of fat cells (adipose tissue) and connective tissue. It acts as an insulating layer, helping to maintain the body’s temperature by reducing heat loss to the environment. The fatty deposits in subcutaneous tissue serve as a barrier that traps warmth generated by the body, making it crucial in regulating body temperature. This thermoregulatory role is particularly important in colder climates, as the fat layer can effectively insulate against lower external temperatures. The other functions listed do not pertain directly to the role of subcutaneous tissue. Hormone production is primarily associated with glands such as the endocrine glands, structural support is provided by deeper layers of tissue including muscles and bones, and new blood cell production occurs in the bone marrow rather than in subcutaneous tissue.