Question 1

The friction ridges seen in finger, palm and foot prints are different among various people but very similar between identical twins. This evidence suggests which of the following?
A) That friction ridges are genetically determined.
B) That friction ridges change over time.
C) That friction ridges aid in griping.
D) That friction ridges allow for better tactile sensation.

Accepted Answer

The fact that identical twins have very similar friction ridge patterns suggests that these patterns are genetically determined.

Question 2

Changes in the color of skin are often an indication of a homeostatic imbalance. Which of the following would indicate a liver disease such as hepatitis resulting in elevated bilirubin?
A) Black-and-blue marks become evident for no apparent cause.
B) The skin takes on a bronze or metallic appearance.
C) The skin and sclera of the eyes appears to have an abnormal, yellowish tint.
D) It is impossible to suggest Addison's disease from an inspection of a person's skin.

Accepted Answer

Elevated bilirubin resulting from liver disease such as hepatitis can lead to a condition called jaundice, which results in a yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes. Black-and-blue marks (bruises) would not be a specific indicator of liver disease, and a bronze or metallic appearance of the skin would be more indicative of a condition called hemochromatosis. Addison's disease, a disorder of the adrenal gland, is not related to changes in skin color.

Question 3

The dermis has two major layers. Which layer constitutes 80% of the dermis and is responsible for the tension lines in the skin?
A) the reticular layer
B) the hypodermal layer
C) the subcutaneous layer
D) the papillary layer

Accepted Answer

The reticular layer constitutes 80% of the dermis and is responsible for the tension lines in the skin, making it the best choice. The other options, hypodermal layer and subcutaneous layer, refer to the layer beneath the dermis, and the papillary layer only constitutes 20% of the dermis and is responsible for fingerprints and touch sensations.

Question 4

The single most important risk for skin cancer is________ .
A) genetics
B) use of farm chemicals
C) overexposure to UV radiation
D) race

Accepted Answer

Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the single most important risk factor for skin cancer. Genetics, use of farm chemicals, and race may also have an impact, but they are not as significant as UV radiation.

Question 5

The function of the root hair plexus is to________ .
A) allow the hair to assist in touch sensation
B) cause apocrine gland secretion into the hair follicle
C) serve as a source for new epidermal cells for hair growth after the resting stage has passed
D) bind the hair root to the dermis

Accepted Answer

The root hair plexus is a cluster of nerve endings that surrounds the base of the hair follicle, allowing the hair to assist in touch sensation. This helps us feel even slight movements of our hair, which can help us detect things like insects crawling on our skin.

Question 6

The dermis is a strong, flexible connective tissue layer. Which of the following cell types are likely to be found in the dermis?
A) osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and epithelial cells
B) goblet cells, parietal cells, and chondrocytes
C) monocytes, reticulocytes, and osteocytes
D) fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells

Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix proteins that give the dermis its strength and elasticity. Macrophages are immune cells that help protect the skin from infections, while mast cells are involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. None of the other cell types listed are typically found in the dermis.

Question 7

The epidermis consists of five layers of cells, each layer with a distinct role to play in the health, well-being, and functioning of the skin. Which of the following layers is responsible for cell division and replacement?
A) stratum granulosum
B) stratum basale
C) stratum corneum
D) stratum lucidum

Accepted Answer

The stratum basale, also known as the basal layer or germinative layer, is responsible for cell division and replacement in the epidermis.

Question 8

A dendritic or Langerhans cell is a specialized _________.
A) squamous epithelial cell
B) melanocyte
C) nerve cell
D) phagocytic cell

Accepted Answer

Dendritic or Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell that functions as a phagocyte, meaning they engulf and digest foreign particles such as bacteria or viruses. They are found in various tissues throughout the body but are especially important in the skin, where they play a key role in immune defense against pathogens that enter through the skin. Therefore, the best choice is D, phagocytic cell.

Question 9

The papillary layer of the dermis is composed of loosely packed connective tissue with numerous peg-like projections that provide a great deal of surface area connecting the dermis to the epidermis. Which of the statements below do NOT represent benefits provided by the papillary layer's anatomy?
A) The spaces in the connective tissue allow many small blood vessels to deliver nutrients and pick up waste diffusing from the superficial epidermal layers.
B) The high surface area allows for a stronger connection of dermis to epidermis.
C) The looseness allows for easy separation of the dead cell layer of epidermis to be shed.
D) The looseness allows for phagocytes to roam through the tissue and search for infection.

Accepted Answer

The looseness of the papillary layer of the dermis does not facilitate the shedding of the dead cell layer of the epidermis. Shedding of the dead cell layer, or desquamation, is a process that occurs in the epidermis itself, not influenced by the structure of the dermis beneath it.

Question 10

Which of the following statements indicates the way in which the body's natural defenses protect the skin from the effects of UV damage?
A) Carotene, which accumulates in the stratum corneum and hypodermal adipose tissue, is synthesized in large amounts in the presence of sunlight.
B) Prolonged exposure to the sun induces melanin dispersion, which in turn acts as a natural sunscreen.
C) The skin is protected by increasing the number of epidermal dendritic cells, which help to activate the immune system.
D) The skin is protected by the synthesis of three pigments that contribute to the skin's color.

Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to the sun induces melanin dispersion, which in turn acts as a natural sunscreen. Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the skin and provides protection against UV radiation by absorbing and scattering it. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes increase the production of melanin and disperse the existing melanin in the surrounding keratinocytes, thus providing increased protection against UV damage.

Question 11

Which of the following is a skin sensory receptor for touch?
A) Pacinian corpuscle
B) Ruffini body
C) free nerve ending
D) tactile cells

Accepted Answer

Tactile cells are specialized skin cells that are sensitive to touch. They are located in the epidermis and are involved in the sense of touch by responding to pressure and vibrations. Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini bodies, and free nerve endings are all other types of skin sensory receptors, but they are not specifically associated with touch.

Question 12

Which of the following glands secrete sebum, an oily like substance?
A) merocrine glands
B) eccrine glands
C) apocrine glands
D) sebaceous glands

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily like substance, which helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. Merocrine glands secrete sweat, eccrine glands secrete sweat that is odorless and apocrine glands secrete a different type of sweat that is thicker and has more odor.

Question 13

Which type of skin cancer is the most dangerous because it is highly metastatic and resistant to chemotherapy?
A) melanoma
B) squamous cell carcinoma
C) adenoma
D) basal cell carcinoma

Accepted Answer

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it has a high tendency to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body and is often resistant to chemotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are also types of skin cancer, but they are usually less aggressive and easier to treat. Adenoma is not a type of skin cancer.

Question 14

A splinter penetrated into the skin of the sole of the foot, almost to the papillary region of the dermis. Which layer of the epidermis would be the final layer injured?
A) lucidum
B) basale
C) spinosum
D) granulosum

Accepted Answer

The basale layer is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for producing new cells to replace those that are shed. This layer is closest to the dermis and would therefore be the final layer injured in this scenario.

Question 15

Which statement correctly explains why hair appears the way it does?
A) Gray hair is the result of hormonal action altering the chemical composition of melanin.
B) Perfectly round hair shafts result in wavy hair.
C) Air bubbles in the hair shaft cause straight hair.
D) Kinky hair has flat, ribbonlike hair shafts.

Accepted Answer

Kinky hair is characterized by flat, ribbonlike hair shafts, which contribute to its texture. The shape of the hair shaft influences the appearance of the hair, with different shapes leading to different hair textures.

Question 16

The reason the hypodermis acts as a shock absorber is that________ .
A) the cells that make up the hypodermis secrete a protective mucus
B) it is located just below the epidermis and protects the dermis from shock
C) it has no delicate nerve endings and can therefore absorb more shock
D) the major part of its makeup is adipose, which serves as an effective shock absorber

Accepted Answer

The major part of hypodermis' makeup is adipose tissue, which is a type of connective tissue that serves as an effective shock absorber. It provides cushioning and insulation to the body and helps protect internal organs from trauma. Therefore, the hypodermis acts as a shock absorber because of the adipose tissue present in it.

Question 17

Despite its apparent durability, the dermis is subject to tearing. How might a person know that the dermis has been previously stretched and/or torn?
A) There is an episode of acute pain due to the large number of tactile corpuscles.
B) The stretching causes the tension lines to disappear.
C) The blood vessels in the dermis rupture and the blood passes through the tissue, causing permanent "black-and-blue marks."
D) The appearance of visible, silvery-white scars is an indication of stretching of the dermis.

Accepted Answer

The appearance of visible, silvery-white scars is an indication of stretching of the dermis. This is because when the dermis is stretched or torn, collagen fibers in the skin are damaged or broken. As the skin heals, scar tissue forms, which looks different from the surrounding skin and appears as silvery-white in color.

Question 18

Which of the following cells and their function are correctly matched?
A) dendritic cells - activate the immune system
B) melanocytes - protects cells in the stratum corneum from damaging effects of sun's rays
C) keratinocytes - provide sense of touch and pressure
D) tactile cells - protection

Accepted Answer

Dendritic cells are specialized cells that play a key role in the immune system by activating and directing the immune response to foreign invaders. Melanocytes are responsible for producing pigment and providing protection against UV radiation. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cells in the skin and are responsible for forming a protective barrier. Tactile cells, also known as Merkel cells, are involved in the sense of touch and pressure.

Question 19

Water loss through the epidermis could cause a serious threat to health and well-being. Which of the following protects us against excessive water loss through the skin?
A) Glycolipids that are secreted by keratinocytes into extracellular spaces.
B) The dermis is the thickest portion of the skin and water cannot pass through it.
C) Fat associated with skin prevents water loss.
D) The size and shape of the cells that make up the stratum spinosum, as well as the thick bundles of intermediate filaments.

Accepted Answer

Glycolipids that are secreted by keratinocytes into extracellular spaces form a waterproof barrier, preventing excessive water loss through the skin. The dermis and fat associated with the skin do offer some degree of protection against water loss but are not the primary mechanism. The size and shape of cells in the stratum spinosum and intermediate filaments help provide strength and support to the skin, but they do not directly contribute to preventing water loss.

Question 20

Melanocytes and keratinocytes work together in protecting the skin from UV damage when keratinocytes________ .
A) provide the melanocyte with nutrients necessary for melanin synthesis
B) maintain the appropriate temperature so the product of the melanocyte will not denature
C) accumulate the melanin granules on their superficial portion, forming a UV-blocking pigment layer
D) maintain the appropriate pH in order for the melanocyte to synthesize melanin granules

Accepted Answer

Keratinocytes accumulate melanin granules on their superficial portion, forming a UV-blocking pigment layer that protects the skin from UV damage. Melanocytes produce melanin, but it is the keratinocytes that distribute and utilize melanin for protection.

Quiz 5: The Integumentary System

The friction ridges seen in finger, palm and foot prints are different among various people but very similar between identical twins. This evidence suggests which of the following?

Changes in the color of skin are often an indication of a homeostatic imbalance. Which of the following would indicate a liver disease such as hepatitis resulting in elevated bilirubin?

The dermis has two major layers. Which layer constitutes 80% of the dermis and is responsible for the tension lines in the skin?

The single most important risk for skin cancer is________ .

The function of the root hair plexus is to________ .

The dermis is a strong, flexible connective tissue layer. Which of the following cell types are likely to be found in the dermis?

The epidermis consists of five layers of cells, each layer with a distinct role to play in the health, well-being, and functioning of the skin. Which of the following layers is responsible for cell division and replacement?

A dendritic or Langerhans cell is a specialized _________.

The papillary layer of the dermis is composed of loosely packed connective tissue with numerous peg-like projections that provide a great deal of surface area connecting the dermis to the epidermis. Which of the statements below do NOT represent benefits provided by the papillary layer's anatomy?

Which of the following statements indicates the way in which the body's natural defenses protect the skin from the effects of UV damage?

Which of the following is a skin sensory receptor for touch?

Which of the following glands secrete sebum, an oily like substance?

Which type of skin cancer is the most dangerous because it is highly metastatic and resistant to chemotherapy?

A splinter penetrated into the skin of the sole of the foot, almost to the papillary region of the dermis. Which layer of the epidermis would be the final layer injured?

Which statement correctly explains why hair appears the way it does?

The reason the hypodermis acts as a shock absorber is that________ .

Despite its apparent durability, the dermis is subject to tearing. How might a person know that the dermis has been previously stretched and/or torn?

Which of the following cells and their function are correctly matched?

Water loss through the epidermis could cause a serious threat to health and well-being. Which of the following protects us against excessive water loss through the skin?

Melanocytes and keratinocytes work together in protecting the skin from UV damage when keratinocytes________ .