Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the stratum corneum in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

It forms a thick layer of dead, keratinized cells that protects against abrasion and penetration.

Question 2

A patient presents with a burn that has blisters but heals with little scarring. Which layer(s) of the skin are most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

The epidermis and the upper part of the dermis

Question 3

Which cell type in the epidermis is primarily responsible for immune defense and is most abundant in the stratum spinosum?

Accepted Answer

Dendritic cells

Question 4

A researcher is studying the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Which process is most directly involved?

Accepted Answer

Epidermal cells use UV radiation to convert a cholesterol derivative into vitamin D.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why Caucasian skin appears pinkish?

Accepted Answer

It has little melanin, allowing the crimson color of hemoglobin in blood to show through.

Question 6

A cross-section of a hair reveals three concentric layers. Which is the correct order from innermost to outermost?

Accepted Answer

Medulla, cortex, cuticle

Question 7

Which of the following glands is most directly responsible for producing a secretion that softens and lubricates hair and skin?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous glands

Question 8

A patient has a tumor arising from the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum. Which type of skin cancer is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of the arrector pili muscle?

Accepted Answer

It causes hair to stand erect when contracted.

Question 10

A person with a genetic defect preventing the formation of lamellar granules in the stratum granulosum would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of dehydration due to loss of waterproofing glycolipids

Question 11

Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for the formation of fingerprints?

Accepted Answer

Papillary dermis

Question 12

A patient with a third-degree burn is at greatest risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Loss of body fluids and infection due to destruction of the full thickness of the skin

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the hypodermis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It contains areolar and adipose tissue and helps insulate the body.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the difference between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine glands produce a watery sweat for thermoregulation, while apocrine glands produce a musky sweat associated with scent.

Question 15

A mutation prevents the formation of pre-keratin in the stratum spinosum. Which of the following would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Reduced resistance to mechanical tension in the skin

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the percentage of body weight accounted for by the skin, if a person weighs $W$ kg?

Accepted Answer

$Skin\ weight = 0.07 	imes W$

Question 17

A 25-year-old male develops a rapidly growing, darkly pigmented lesion on his back. Which cell type is most likely the origin of this lesion?

Accepted Answer

Melanocyte

Question 18

During embryonic development, from which germ layer does the epidermis arise?

Accepted Answer

Ectoderm

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the dermal plexus in the skin?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of body temperature through blood flow

Question 20

A child is born with a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of tactile epithelial cells. Which of the following symptoms would most likely be observed?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ability to sense touch stimuli

Chapter 5: The Integumentary System – Skin and Hypodermis

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