Final answer:
Lanugo in a woman with anorexia nervosa represents the body's attempt to regulate temperature by growing fine, downy hair due to the loss of body fat from severe weight loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a woman with anorexia nervosa has lanugo, it is an indication of her body's adaptation for body temperature regulation. Lanugo is the growth of fine, downy hair on the body, and it is an attempt by the body to conserve heat due to the loss of insulating body fat from severe weight loss. This condition stems from inadequate caloric intake and possibly excessive exercise, leading to a body weight that is significantly below average.