American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which function is NOT provided by the integumentary system?

1. Fluid balance-excretion

2. Respiration

3. Temperature regulation

4. Protection from injury

The correct answer is: Respiration

The integumentary system primarily consists of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. Its main functions include providing a protective barrier against environmental hazards, aiding in temperature regulation through sweat and blood flow to the skin, and playing a role in fluid balance by excreting certain substances such as salts and water through sweat. Respiration, which refers to the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), is primarily the function of the respiratory system, involving organs such as the lungs and trachea. The integumentary system does not facilitate gas exchange in the same way; while skin can participate in limited gas exchange in certain organisms, it is not a function of the human integumentary system. Thus, the identification of respiration as not being a function of the integumentary system is accurate. The other functions listed, such as fluid balance through excretion, temperature regulation, and protection from injury, are indeed part of the roles performed by the integumentary system.