Question 1

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. The hypodermal layer and subcutaneous layer are both located below the dermis, and the papillary layer is the upper layer of the dermis.

Question 2

A dendritic or Langerhan cell is a specialized________.
A) squamous epithelial cell
B) melanocyte
C) nerve cell
D) phagocytic cell

Accepted Answer

Dendritic or Langerhan cells are specialized phagocytic cells that are found in the skin and mucous membranes. They are responsible for processing and presenting antigens to T cells in order to initiate an immune response.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Kinky hair has flat, ribbonlike hair shafts.

Question 4

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 aid in griping.
B) That friction ridges allow for better tactile sensation.
C) That friction ridges change over time.
D) That friction ridges are genetically determined.

Accepted Answer

The fact that friction ridges are very similar between identical twins suggests that they are genetically determined. This is because identical twins have the same DNA, so any similarities in their physical traits must be due to their genetic makeup.

Question 5

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) The stretching causes the tension lines to disappear.
B) The appearance of visible, silvery-white scars is an indication of stretching of the dermis.
C) There is an episode of acute pain due to the large number of tactile corpuscles.
D) The blood vessels in the dermis rupture and the blood passes through the tissue, causing permanent "black-a nd-blue marks."

Accepted Answer

The appearance of visible, silvery-white scars is an indication of stretching of the dermis. When the dermis is stretched or torn, especially during rapid growth periods or pregnancy, collagen fibers in the skin can become damaged or broken, resulting in the formation of scars called striae, or stretch marks. These scars are typically silvery-white in color and can be an indication that the skin has been previously stretched or torn. The other options (A, C, and D) do not accurately describe indicators of stretching or tearing of the dermis.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The root hair plexus is a network of nerve fibers surrounding the base of the hair follicle. Its function is to detect hair movement and assist in touch sensation, making it an important component of the sensory nervous system.

Question 7

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) granulosum
B) spinosum
C) basale
D) lucidum

Accepted Answer

The basale layer is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is in direct contact with the dermis. Injuries that penetrate to the papillary region of the dermis would only reach the basale layer of the epidermis before reaching the dermis, making it the final layer injured.

Question 8

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) The dermis is the thickest portion of the skin and water cannot pass through it.
B) Glycolipids that are secreted by keratinocytes into extracellular spaces.
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 are secreted by keratinocytes into extracellular spaces and form a water-repellent barrier between cells, which helps to prevent excessive water loss through the skin. The dermis is not impermeable to water, and fat associated with the skin does not prevent water loss. While the size and shape of cells in the stratum spinosum as well as the thick bundles of intermediate filaments do provide some resistance to water loss, they are not as effective as the glycolipids in the barrier formed by keratinocytes.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Dendritic cells are responsible for activating the immune system by processing and presenting antigens to T cells. Keratinocytes provide a physical barrier and protection, melanocytes protect against UV radiation, and tactile cells provide sensations of touch and pressure.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The stratum basale is the layer responsible for cell division and replacement. It is the bottommost layer of the epidermis and constantly produces new cells that move up towards the surface of the skin.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Overexposure to UV radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer, as it can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk of mutations that lead to cancer. While genetics can play a role in skin cancer risk, UV exposure is the primary factor that individuals can control and take steps to protect against. Race and use of farm chemicals may also impact skin cancer risk, but are not the most important risk factors.

Question 12

Which type of skin cancer appears as a scaly reddened papule and tends to grow rapidly and metastasize?
A) squamous cell carcinoma
B) adenoma
C) melanoma
D) basal cell carcinoma

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a scaly reddened papule and tends to grow rapidly and metastasize. Basal cell carcinoma tends to grow slowly and rarely metastasizes, while melanoma appears as a pigmented lesion with irregular borders and varied color. Adenoma is a benign tumor of glandular tissue, and is not a type of skin cancer.

Question 13

Which glands produce ear wax?
A) eccrine glands
B) apocrine glands
C) ceruminous glands
D) merocrine glands

Accepted Answer

Ceruminous glands, found in the skin lining the ear canal, produce ear wax.

Question 14

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) accumulate the melanin granules on their superficial portion, forming a UV-blocking pigment layer
C) maintain the appropriate temperature so the product of the melanocyte will not denature
D) maintain the appropriate pH in order for the melanocyte to synthesize melanin granules

Accepted Answer

Keratinocytes accumulate the melanin granules on their superficial portion, forming a UV-blocking pigment layer that protects the skin from UV damage. Melanocytes, on the other hand, produce melanin granules in response to UV exposure. Therefore, the combination of melanocytes and keratinocytes is important for protecting the skin from UV damage.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The major part of the hypodermis is made up of adipose tissue, which is composed of fat cells. Adipose tissue is known for its ability to store energy, but it also acts as a cushion and shock absorber for the body. Therefore, the hypodermis acts as a shock absorber because of its adipose tissue makeup.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts are responsible for producing the extracellular matrix of the dermis, while macrophages play a role in immune response. Mast cells are also present in the dermis and are involved in the inflammatory response. Goblet cells, parietal cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, monocytes, and reticulocytes are not typically found in the dermis.

Question 17

The papillary layer of the dermis is composed of loosely packed connective tissue withnumerous 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 thepapillary layer's anatomy?
A) The high surface area allows for a stronger connection of dermis to epidermis.
B) The spaces in the connective tissue allow many small blood vessels to deliver nutrients and pickup waste diffusing from the superficial epidermal layers.
C) The looseness allows for phagocytes to roam through the tissue and search for infection.
D) The looseness allows for easy separation of the dead cell layer of epidermis to be shed.

Accepted Answer

The looseness of the papillary layer allows for easy separation of the dead cell layer of epidermis to be shed. This is not specifically related to the high surface area or the presence of small blood vessels and phagocytes.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Tactile corpuscles are skin sensory receptors responsible for detecting light touch and vibrations. Free nerve endings are more associated with pain and temperature, Ruffini bodies with skin stretch, and Pacinian corpuscles with deep pressure and vibration.

Question 19

Changes in the color of skin are often an indication of a homeostatic imbalance. Which of the following changes would suggest that a patient is suffering from Addison's disease?
A) The skin takes on a bronze or metallic appearance.
B) The skin appears to have an abnormal, yellowish tint.
C) Black-a nd-blue marks become evident for no apparent cause.
D) It is impossible to suggest Addison's disease from an inspection of a person's skin.

Accepted Answer

Addison's disease is a disorder of the adrenal gland, which causes a decrease in cortisol levels. One of the main symptoms of Addison's disease is skin hyperpigmentation, which gives the skin a bronze or metallic appearance.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

When exposed to sunlight, melanocytes in the epidermis produce more melanin and disperse it throughout the keratinocytes. This increased melanin production and dispersion act as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Quiz 5: The Integumentary System

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

A dendritic or Langerhan cell is a specialized________.

Which statement correctly expl ains why hair appears the way it does?

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?

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?

The function of the root hair plexus is to ________.

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?

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?

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

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

The single most important risk for skin cancer is ________.

Which type of skin cancer appears as a scaly reddened papule and tends to grow rapidly and metastasize?

Which glands produce ear wax?

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

The reason the hypodermis acts as a shock absorber is that ________.

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

The papillary layer of the dermis is composed of loosely packed connective tissue withnumerous 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 thepapillary layer's anatomy?

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

Changes in the color of skin are often an indication of a homeostatic imbalance. Which of the following changes would suggest that a patient is suffering from Addison's disease?

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