Which change occurs in the integumentary system with aging?

As individuals age, various changes occur in the integumentary system, one of which is the increase in body fat. This change is primarily due to alterations in metabolism, hormonal changes, and shifts in body composition, where lean muscle mass decreases while fat deposits can increase as individuals age. This can lead to more pronounced subcutaneous fat, which can alter skin texture and appearance.

In contrast, decreased elasticity in the skin is also a significant change associated with aging, but rather than increasing body fat, the loss of elasticity leads to wrinkles and sagging skin, resulting from decreases in collagen and elastin synthesis and the structural changes within the dermal layer of the skin. Other options, such as increased collagen synthesis and decreased skin cancer risk, do not accurately reflect the changes associated with aging in the integumentary system. Understanding the impact of aging on body composition and skin integrity can help in managing skin health and addressing age-related concerns effectively.