Question 1

A patient presents with bowed legs and a history of minimal sun exposure. Laboratory tests reveal low serum calcium. Which process is most likely impaired in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of calcium and phosphate ions by the small intestine due to insufficient vitamin D3

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

It contracts involuntarily to cause hairs to stand up, producing 'goose bumps'

Question 3

A genetic mutation causes a person to lack melanocytes in the hair matrix. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

The person will have colorless (white or very light) hair

Question 4

Which of the following glands is responsible for producing a secretion that inhibits bacterial growth and lubricates the hair shaft?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland

Question 5

A person is unable to sweat in response to increased body temperature, but can still sweat in response to emotional stress. Which glands are most likely dysfunctional?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine (merocrine) sweat glands

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why a person with severe liver or kidney disease may develop symptoms of rickets, even with adequate sun exposure?

Accepted Answer

The liver and kidneys are required to convert vitamin D3 into its active form, calcitriol

Question 7

Which of the following is a function of vellus hairs?

Accepted Answer

They cover most of the body surface with soft, fine hair

Question 8

A patient has a wound that has healed with a raised, thickened area of scar tissue. What is this structure called?

Accepted Answer

Keloid

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the main function of eccrine (merocrine) sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Cooling the surface of the skin to reduce body temperature

Question 10

A person with psoriasis may develop pitted nails. Which structure is most directly affected in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Nail root

Question 11

During the repair of the integument, which cells are primarily responsible for producing granulation tissue?

Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts and endothelial cells

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Increase in melanocyte activity

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the process by which hair is produced?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial cells in the hair matrix divide, pushing the hair up and out of the skin

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the repair of the integument after injury?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding → Mast cell activation → Scab formation → Granulation tissue production → Scar tissue formation

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why eccrine sweat glands are important for thermoregulation?

Accepted Answer

They discharge watery secretions that evaporate, cooling the skin

Question 16

A person has a mutation that prevents the formation of the cuticle layer of the hair. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The hair will be more prone to damage and less stiff

Question 17

Which of the following glands is NOT controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine sweat glands (precisely controlled, not globally)

Question 18

Which of the following structures is responsible for producing the visible portion of the nail?

Accepted Answer

Nail root

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of ceruminous glands?

Accepted Answer

Production of earwax to prevent foreign particles from reaching the eardrum

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

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