$\text{Tyrosine} \xrightarrow{Tyrosinase} \text{DOPA} \xrightarrow{Tyrosinase} \text{Melanin}$

$\text{Sweat} = \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Na}^+ + \text{Cl}^-$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the basic structure of the skin in the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

The skin is composed of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis, with the hypodermis lying beneath.

Question 2

Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. Which process describes their life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Keratinocytes originate in the stratum basale, undergo mitosis, and migrate upward, becoming more keratinized as they reach the surface.

Question 3

Which of the following distinguishes thick skin from thin skin?

Accepted Answer

Thick skin has a prominent stratum lucidum and lacks hair follicles.

Question 4

What is the primary function of the dermal papillae?

Accepted Answer

To increase surface area for attachment between the epidermis and dermis, enhancing nutrient exchange.

Question 5

Epidermal ridges are responsible for fingerprints. How are these ridges formed?

Accepted Answer

By the interaction between dermal papillae and the overlying epidermis.

Question 6

Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes. Which equation best represents the synthesis of melanin from tyrosine?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Tyrosine} \xrightarrow{Tyrosinase} 	ext{DOPA} \xrightarrow{Tyrosinase} 	ext{Melanin}$

Question 7

Which pigment, other than melanin, contributes to skin color and can cause a yellowish hue when accumulated?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 8

A patient presents with a bluish coloration of the skin. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin (cyanosis)

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland; to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair

Question 10

Sweat is composed primarily of water, but also contains electrolytes. Which equation best represents the loss of sodium through sweat?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Sweat} = 	ext{H}_2	ext{O} + 	ext{Na}^+ + 	ext{Cl}^-$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the structural properties of eccrine sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

They are simple tubular glands that open directly onto the skin surface.

Question 12

A burn is classified as third-degree when:

Accepted Answer

Both the epidermis and dermis are destroyed, and the underlying tissue may be affected.

Question 13

Which formula is used to estimate the severity of burns using the 'rule of nines'?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Total Body Surface Area Burned} = 	ext{Sum of percentages assigned to each region}$

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a main type of cancerous skin tumor?

Accepted Answer

Adenocarcinoma

Question 15

Which scenario best illustrates the function of the integumentary system in protection?

Accepted Answer

The skin acts as a barrier preventing pathogens from entering the body.

Question 16

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the continuous regeneration of skin cells?

Accepted Answer

Stratum basale

Question 17

A patient with jaundice presents with yellow skin. Which pigment is responsible for this coloration?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the composition and function of sebum?

Accepted Answer

Sebum is an oily substance composed of lipids that lubricates and waterproofs the skin.

Question 19

Which real-life scenario demonstrates the role of the integumentary system in thermoregulation?

Accepted Answer

A person sweats during exercise, allowing evaporative cooling.

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Pathology

Study Guide - Practice Questions