Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the stratum granulosum in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

It is responsible for keratinization and water-proofing the skin through the release of keratohyaline and lamellar granules.

Question 2

A patient presents with a yellowish tint to their skin and sclera. Which pigment is most likely responsible for this condition, and what is the condition called?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin; Jaundice

Question 3

Which layer of the dermis is primarily responsible for the formation of friction ridges (fingerprints) and contains capillary loops and touch receptors?

Accepted Answer

Papillary layer

Question 4

A surgeon plans an incision on the trunk. To minimize scarring, the incision should be made parallel to which anatomical feature?

Accepted Answer

Cleavage (tension) lines

Question 5

Which of the following glands is most responsible for thermoregulation and is distributed widely across the body?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine (merocrine) sweat glands

Question 6

A burn patient has damage that extends through the entire epidermis and upper dermis, but not the full thickness of the skin. Which type of burn is this?

Accepted Answer

Second-degree burn

Question 7

Which cell type in the epidermis is primarily responsible for producing the pigment that protects against UV radiation?

Accepted Answer

Melanocyte

Question 8

A patient with a genetic disorder lacks the enzyme tyrosinase, resulting in little or no melanin production. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Albinism

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the hypodermis is an ideal site for subcutaneous injections?

Accepted Answer

It contains many blood vessels and loose areolar and adipose tissue, allowing for rapid absorption.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the arrector pili muscle?

Accepted Answer

Contracting to cause hair to stand upright, aiding in thermoregulation and nonverbal communication

Question 11

A patient presents with a bluish coloration of the skin, especially noticeable in the lips and nail beds. What is this condition called and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis; low oxygenation of hemoglobin

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Thick skin has a stratum lucidum and is found in areas of high abrasion, such as palms and soles.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the formation of stretch marks (striae)?

Accepted Answer

Tears in the dermis due to rapid stretching of the skin

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding sebaceous glands?

Accepted Answer

They are holocrine glands that secrete sebum into hair follicles.

Question 15

A patient presents with a rapidly growing, irregularly pigmented mole. Which type of skin cancer is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Malignant melanoma

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the composition and function of the cuticle of the hair?

Accepted Answer

It is the outermost layer, consisting of overlapping cells that protect the hair shaft.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why eccrine sweat is slightly acidic (pH 4-6)?

Accepted Answer

It contains high concentrations of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic (Langerhans) cells in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

They function as macrophages, providing immune defense against pathogens.

Question 19

A patient with a genetic disorder has fine, downy, unpigmented hair covering much of their body. Which type of hair is this?

Accepted Answer

Lanugo

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a third-degree burn is considered life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

It destroys the entire thickness of the skin, leading to fluid loss and increased risk of infection.

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Aspects

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