Integumentary System Practice Test

Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, located in the basal layer of the epidermis. When the skin is exposed to UV light from the sun, melanocytes increase melanin production as a natural defense mechanism.

The primary function of melanin is to absorb and dissipate UV radiation, thereby reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancers. By effectively filtering out harmful UV rays, melanin acts as a biological sunscreen, helping to prevent sunburn and other negative effects of UV exposure.

Although the other options present important functions related to skin health, they do not accurately describe the primary role of melanin. For instance, while the skin does have repair mechanisms and contributes to waterproofing through the production of lipids, these functions are not directly associated with melanin. Similarly, body temperature regulation is primarily managed by mechanisms like perspiration and blood flow, not by melanin.