What is a key role of sweat glands in the integumentary system?

Sweat glands play a crucial role in regulating body temperature, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis. When the body's temperature rises due to external heat or internal activities, such as exercise, sweat glands produce sweat. This sweat is primarily composed of water, and when it evaporates from the skin's surface, it cools the body down. This process helps prevent overheating and allows the body to function optimally. The regulation of temperature through sweating is vital to protect the body from heat-related illnesses and to ensure that physiological processes occur within a safe temperature range.