Answer: The integumentary system is essential in maintaining homeostasis, a state of stability across factors like temperature and hydration, in the body. The integumentary system stores water and prevents dehydration as well as producing sweat to regulate temperature and rid the body of waste products
Explanation: Barrier protection and water transport can be demonstrated with a piece of fine cloth. Pour water with coarse sand in over the cloth. The sand (bad organisms) are kept out, but the water (sweat) can go through.
Insulation: Put a thermometer into a small block of styrofoam. Put the block on a piece of ice, and then in a cup of hot water and observe the temperature. That is how the skin helps to regulate body temperature.
Cooling: When we exercise a lot (running is good) we generate more internal body heat. Notice how exercise (work) or even just hotter temperatures in the cause us to sweat.
Measure the air temperature with a thermometer and a fan blowing over it. Then measure it again with the thermometer covered with a THIN wet paper towel. That is how our sweat cools our body by evaporation.
