Question 1

Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for the production of keratin, and what is the functional significance of this protein?

Accepted Answer

The epidermis; keratin protects against abrasion and serves as a water repellent.

Question 2

A splinter that penetrates to the third layer of the epidermis of the palm is lodged in which layer?

Accepted Answer

Stratum granulosum

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the skin of a light-skinned person appears red during exercise in hot weather?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood flow to the dermis, making hemoglobin more visible

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Production of red blood cells

Question 5

Which accessory structure is responsible for producing sebum, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland; sebum lubricates the hair shaft and is antimicrobial.

Question 6

Which layer of the dermis contains an interwoven meshwork of dense, irregular connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers?

Accepted Answer

Reticular layer

Question 7

A patient presents with a burn that has destroyed the epidermis, dermis, and extends into the subcutaneous layer. Which type of burn is this, and why is it less painful than a second-degree burn?

Accepted Answer

Third-degree burn; because nerve endings are destroyed, reducing sensation.

Question 8

Which pigment is produced by melanocytes in the stratum basale and is responsible for brown/black or red/yellow coloration in skin?

Accepted Answer

Melanin

Question 9

Why is basal cell carcinoma considered less dangerous than malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, while malignant melanoma grows rapidly and spreads through the lymphatic system.

Question 10

Which structure separates the skin from deeper tissues and is dominated by adipose tissue, serving as an important energy storage site?

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous layer (hypodermis)

Question 11

Which sensory receptor in the dermis is most sensitive to deep pressure and vibration?

Accepted Answer

Pacinian (lamellar) corpuscle

Question 12

A horizontal cut just above the eyebrow is likely to result in more scarring than a vertical cut. Why?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal cuts are perpendicular to tension (cleavage) lines, causing the wound to pull open and heal with more scarring.

Question 13

Which type of skin graft is least likely to be rejected by the immune system, and why?

Accepted Answer

Autograft; because it uses the patient's own undamaged skin.

Question 14

Which hormone stimulates basal cell division, thickens the epidermis, and promotes wound repair?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone (GH)

Question 15

Explain the relationship between sunlight exposure and vitamin D$$_3$$ production in the skin.

Accepted Answer

Sunlight exposure causes epidermal cells in the stratum spinosum and stratum basale to convert a steroid to cholecalciferol (vitamin D$$_3$$), which is then processed by the liver and kidneys to form calcitriol.

Question 16

Which phase of skin regeneration after injury involves the formation of granulation tissue, and what cells are primarily responsible for this process?

Accepted Answer

Migration phase; fibroblasts, blood clot, and capillary network

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the structural difference between thin skin and thick skin?

Accepted Answer

Thick skin contains an additional stratum lucidum and covers the palms and soles.

Question 18

A 32-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with third-degree burns on her entire right leg, entire right arm, and the back of her trunk. Estimate the percentage of her body surface area affected by these burns using the rule of nines.

Accepted Answer

Right leg (18%) + right arm (9%) + back of trunk (18%) = 45%

Question 19

Which epidermal layer is composed of 8–10 layers of keratinocytes bound together by desmosomes and contains dendritic (Langerhans) cells?

Accepted Answer

Stratum spinosum

Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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