Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It provides a tough, water-resistant barrier due to its many layers of dead, keratinized cells.

Question 2

A patient presents with a burn that is red, painful, and has blisters. According to the classification of burns by depth, which type of burn does this most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

Second-degree burn

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the dermis is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It is thinner in men than in women.

Question 4

A tattoo artist injects pigment into the skin. In which layer is the pigment deposited, and why does it remain visible for years?

Accepted Answer

Dermis; because the pigment is taken up by macrophages and the dermis is not shed like the epidermis

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

Production of red blood cells

Question 6

A patient has a mole with uneven borders, multiple colors, and a diameter larger than 6 mm. According to the ABCDE rule for skin cancer, which type of cancer is most concerning?

Accepted Answer

Malignant melanoma

Question 7

Which pigment is primarily responsible for the yellow-orange coloration in the skin and is stored in the stratum corneum and adipose tissue?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 8

A person with albinism has very light skin, hair, and eyes. This is due to:

Accepted Answer

A deficiency of an enzyme involved in melanin production

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why elderly individuals are more prone to overheating and dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Decreased sweat gland activity and reduced blood supply to the skin

Question 10

A patient has burns covering the entire anterior and posterior surfaces of both legs and the anterior trunk. Using the rule of nines, what percentage of the body surface area is affected?

Accepted Answer

$54\%$

Question 11

Which of the following accessory structures is a modification of the stratum corneum and provides protection for the tips of the fingers and toes?

Accepted Answer

Nails

Question 12

Which type of sweat gland is most numerous and plays a major role in thermoregulation by producing a watery secretion?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine sweat gland

Question 13

A patient presents with a scaly, reddened papule on the scalp that has started to grow rapidly. Which type of skin cancer is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process by which the skin synthesizes vitamin D?

Accepted Answer

Keratinocytes in the epidermis convert cholesterol to cholecalciferol upon exposure to UV light, which is then converted to calcitriol in the kidneys.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the layers of the epidermis in thick skin, from superficial to deep?

Accepted Answer

Stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale

Question 16

A patient with third-degree burns is at greatest risk for which of the following complications immediately after injury?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why fingerprints are unique to each individual?

Accepted Answer

They are determined by the pattern of epidermal ridges and dermal papillae during fetal development.

Question 18

Which of the following changes is NOT typically associated with aging of the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

Increased sweat gland activity

Question 19

A patient receives a subcutaneous injection. Into which layer of the skin is the medication delivered?

Accepted Answer

Hypodermis

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of sebaceous glands in the skin?

Accepted Answer

They secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates hair and skin.

Chapter 5: The Integumentary System – Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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