Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the epidermis in the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

It provides a waterproof barrier and protects underlying tissues from mechanical damage, pathogens, and UV radiation.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

They are produced in the stratum basale and migrate upward, becoming more keratinized as they move toward the surface.

Question 3

Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels, nerves, and sensory receptors?

Accepted Answer

Dermis

Question 4

A patient presents with a burn that affects both the epidermis and the entire dermis, resulting in blisters and severe pain. How would you classify this burn?

Accepted Answer

Second-degree burn

Question 5

Which pigment is primarily responsible for the brown coloration of human skin and provides protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

Accepted Answer

Melanin

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why a person with liver disease might develop a yellowish tint to their skin (jaundice)?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of bilirubin in the blood

Question 7

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 8

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of thick skin compared to thin skin?

Accepted Answer

Thick skin has a prominent stratum lucidum.

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Which cell type is most likely to have become cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Melanocyte

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the dermal papillae?

Accepted Answer

They increase the surface area for attachment between the epidermis and dermis, and contain capillaries that nourish the epidermis.

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the percentage of body surface area burned and the severity of fluid loss in a burn patient?

Accepted Answer

$Fluid\ loss \propto Burned\ Surface\ Area$

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Production of insulin

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

They are determined by the arrangement of dermal papillae and epidermal ridges during fetal development.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the composition of sweat produced by eccrine glands?

Accepted Answer

Mainly water, with some salts and metabolic wastes

Question 15

A patient presents with a pale, bluish coloration of the skin (cyanosis). Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin in the blood

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of hair on the human body?

Accepted Answer

It helps regulate body temperature and provides protection from UV radiation and minor abrasions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

It arises from keratinocytes in the stratum basale and rarely metastasizes.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why nails grow continuously throughout life?

Accepted Answer

Nails are produced by the nail matrix, where cells divide and become keratinized.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine glands secrete a watery sweat for thermoregulation, while apocrine glands secrete a thicker, odor-producing fluid in response to stress or sexual arousal.

Question 20

A patient presents with a non-healing sore on the lower lip that bleeds easily. Biopsy reveals abnormal keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum. Which type of skin cancer is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Aspects

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