Which system regulates body temperature and pH?

The integumentary system is primarily responsible for regulating body temperature and maintaining pH balance. It includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. The skin plays a crucial role through mechanisms such as perspiration and vasodilation or vasoconstriction of blood vessels. When the body becomes too hot, sweat glands release moisture onto the skin's surface, which evaporates and cools the body down. Additionally, the integumentary system helps to protect against dehydration, thereby aiding in the maintenance of body pH levels by preventing excessive loss of fluids and salts.

Regarding pH regulation, the skin acts as a barrier that prevents the entry of pathogens and toxins, which can alter pH levels. The sebaceous glands of the skin also produce an oily substance that contributes to the skin's barrier function, helping to maintain the appropriate acidic environment of the skin.

The endocrine system, while important for hormonal regulation and homeostasis, does not directly regulate temperature and pH like the integumentary system does. The nervous system does play a role in thermoregulation through its control of blood flow and sweat gland activation, but it does not function as the primary regulatory system for these parameters. The cardiovascular system is essential for the distribution of heat and