$$\text{Heme} \rightarrow \text{Bilirubin} + \text{Iron}$$

Question 1

Which pigment is primarily responsible for the yellowish coloration of the skin, and in which foods is it commonly found?

Accepted Answer

Carotene; found in carrots and sweet potatoes

Question 2

A patient presents with a bluish tint to their skin and mucous membranes. Which condition is most likely, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis; decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the secretion of eccrine sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

A watery solution containing 99% water, salts, urea, uric acid, and ammonia

Question 4

Which gland is responsible for producing a secretion that, when decomposed by skin bacteria, leads to body odor?

Accepted Answer

Apocrine sweat gland

Question 5

A person with albinism is at increased risk for which of the following, and why?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer, due to lack of melanin protection from UV radiation

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

Accepted Answer

Production of sweat for thermoregulation

Question 7

A bruise (hematoma) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A localized collection of blood outside blood vessels due to trauma

Question 8

Which of the following equations best represents the breakdown of hemoglobin that can lead to jaundice?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Heme} ightarrow 	ext{Bilirubin} + 	ext{Iron}$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the palms and soles are lighter in color than other parts of the body?

Accepted Answer

They have less melanin production despite equal melanocyte numbers

Question 10

A patient presents with patchy loss of skin pigmentation. Which condition is most likely, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Vitiligo; autoimmune destruction of melanocytes

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the pH and antimicrobial property of eccrine sweat?

Accepted Answer

pH 4-6; contains dermicidin

Question 12

Which gland is responsible for producing earwax, and what is the function of this secretion?

Accepted Answer

Ceruminous gland; protection of the ear canal

Question 13

Which of the following is a plausible reason why apocrine sweat glands become odorous?

Accepted Answer

Their secretion is decomposed by skin bacteria

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the development of acne?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation of sebaceous glands, often due to blocked ducts

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a component of eccrine sweat?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acids

Question 16

A person with a liver disorder develops yellowing of the skin and eyes. Which pigment is responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the distribution of sebaceous glands?

Accepted Answer

Found everywhere except palms and soles

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why a person with fair skin is more likely to develop a sunburn?

Accepted Answer

They have less melanin to absorb UV radiation

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of mammary glands?

Accepted Answer

Production of milk for nourishment

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of dermicidin in the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

A protein in sweat with antimicrobial properties

The Integumentary System II: Skin Color, Glands, and Homeostatic Imbalances

Study Guide - Practice Questions