William has a cut that is superficial, painful but not bleeding. Based on this information, you would predict that the cut has penetrated to _________.
A) the stratum corneum but not the stratum granulosum
B) the stratum basale but not the dermal layers
C) the subcutaneous layer, but no deeper
D) the papillary layer but not the reticular layer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where pain receptors are located, but it is above the dermal layers where blood vessels are more abundant. A cut reaching the stratum basale would be painful due to the presence of nerve endings but might not bleed significantly if it doesn't penetrate into the dermal layers where larger blood vessels are found.

William Has a Cut That Is Superficial, Painful but Not