Prepare for your Barber State Board Exam with our comprehensive study quiz. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the primary purpose of excretion in skin function?

  1. To remove waste products from the body

  2. To maintain hydration levels

  3. To absorb essential nutrients

  4. To protect against infections

The correct answer is: To remove waste products from the body

The primary purpose of excretion in skin function is to remove waste products from the body. The skin plays a vital role in this process through the sweat glands, which facilitate the elimination of metabolic waste such as urea, salts, and water. This function not only helps to maintain the body's internal environment but also aids in regulating body temperature. While maintaining hydration levels, absorbing essential nutrients, and providing protection against infections are all important functions of the skin, they are not directly related to the excretory process. Hydration involves the skin's barrier function, nutrient absorption pertains more to the skin's capabilities in terms of penetration and permeability, and the protective role involves the skin as a barrier against pathogens. Therefore, the primary role of excretion through the skin is indeed focused on waste removal, distinguishing it from the other functions listed.