Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of keratin in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Keratin provides structural toughness and protects underlying tissues from mechanical trauma.

Question 2

A patient presents with a burn that is red, swollen, and painful, but does not blister. Which layer(s) of the skin are affected, and how would you classify this burn?

Accepted Answer

Only the epidermis is affected; this is a first-degree burn.

Question 3

Which of the following feedback mechanisms is responsible for conserving heat when the body is exposed to cold temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction of dermal blood vessels and decreased blood flow to the skin.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why individuals with albinism are more sensitive to sunlight?

Accepted Answer

They lack the enzyme tyrosinase, resulting in little or no melanin production.

Question 5

A surgeon plans to make an incision along a tension (cleavage) line in the skin. What is the advantage of this approach?

Accepted Answer

Incisions along tension lines heal faster and with less scarring.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

A patient with a genetic defect in the production of desmosomes would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Fragile skin that blisters easily due to poor cell-to-cell adhesion in the epidermis.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of vitamin D activation in the body?

Accepted Answer

UV light converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to cholecalciferol, which is then modified by the liver and kidneys to form active vitamin D3 (calcitriol).

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the reticular layer of the dermis?

Accepted Answer

Providing elasticity and strength to the skin through dense irregular connective tissue.

Question 10

A patient presents with a raised, reddened, scaly lesion on the scalp that later forms a concave ulcer. Which type of skin cancer is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why sweat is not a significant route for excretion of metabolic waste products?

Accepted Answer

The urinary system excretes most of the body's waste products, and sweat contains only small amounts of waste.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of melanocytes in the skin?

Accepted Answer

They produce melanin, which absorbs UV radiation and protects DNA from damage.

Question 13

A patient with a wound that has jagged, irregular edges most likely has which type of injury?

Accepted Answer

Laceration

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the palms of the hands and soles of the feet do not have hair?

Accepted Answer

These areas are covered by thick skin, which lacks hair follicles.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct application of the Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation in a burn patient?

Accepted Answer

Administer $$4 	ext{ ml} 	imes 	ext{body weight (kg)} 	imes \%	ext{BSA}$$ burned in the first 24 hours, with half given in the first 8 hours.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of sebum produced by sebaceous glands?

Accepted Answer

Sebum provides a hydrophobic barrier and inhibits bacterial growth.

Question 17

A patient presents with yellowing of the skin and sclera. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Excess bile pigments due to liver disease (jaundice)

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

They are formed by the arrangement of dermal papillae and overlying epidermal ridges, which are genetically and developmentally determined.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Thick skin contains all five epidermal strata and lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of the tactile (Meissner's) corpuscles found in the dermal papillae?

Accepted Answer

Detecting light touch and distinguishing shape and texture

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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