Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the arrector pili muscle in the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

It contracts to cause hair to stand upright, producing 'goosebumps'.

Question 2

A patient presents with a yellowish tint to their skin and the whites of their eyes. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of bilirubin due to breakdown of red blood cells

Question 3

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the production of new keratinocytes and is most metabolically active?

Accepted Answer

Stratum basale

Question 4

During thermoregulation, which physiological response occurs when the body temperature rises above normal?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation of dermal blood vessels and increased sweating

Question 5

Which of the following statements about thick and thin skin is correct?

Accepted Answer

Thick skin has a thicker stratum corneum and lacks hair follicles.

Question 6

A person with albinism has a defect in which of the following enzymes, leading to a lack of skin pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Tyrosinase

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the epidermis is avascular?

Accepted Answer

It relies on diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the underlying dermis.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of dendritic (Langerhans) cells in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis of pathogens to protect deeper tissues

Question 9

A patient is exposed to cold temperatures. Which of the following responses would you expect as part of the body's thermoregulatory mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction of dermal blood vessels and shivering

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of vitamin D synthesis in the skin?

Accepted Answer

UV light converts dehydrocholesterol in the skin to vitamin D3, which is then converted to calcitriol in the liver and kidneys.

Question 11

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of malignant melanoma compared to other skin cancers?

Accepted Answer

It is characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, and color variation.

Question 12

Which of the following glands is responsible for producing a watery secretion that helps regulate body temperature?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine sweat gland

Question 13

A callus forms on the skin due to repetitive pressure. Which layer of the epidermis is primarily responsible for this thickening?

Accepted Answer

Stratum corneum

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why wrinkles form as people age?

Accepted Answer

Decreased proteoglycans, collagen, and elastic fibers in the dermis

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the negative feedback loop for thermoregulation when body temperature rises?

Accepted Answer

Stimulus → Receptor → Control Center → Effector/Response → Return to Normal Range

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

It protects keratinocyte DNA from UV-induced mutations.

Question 17

A patient has a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, and is multicolored. According to the ABCDE rule, which type of skin cancer should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Malignant melanoma

Question 18

Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the skin (cutaneous membrane) but is important for anchoring the skin to deeper tissues?

Accepted Answer

Hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a person with cyanosis has a bluish tint to their skin?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin in the blood

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of the structure of a hair shaft?

Accepted Answer

It consists of a medulla of soft keratin, a cortex of hard keratin, and an outer cuticle of overlapping keratinocytes.

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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