Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of melanin in the skin?

Accepted Answer

To shield the nuclei of keratinocytes from damage by ultraviolet radiation

Question 2

A patient is undergoing chemotherapy, which inhibits cell division. Which layer of the epidermis would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Stratum basale

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of red blood cells

Question 4

A burn patient is at immediate risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the composition of the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Question 6

Which pigment is responsible for the yellow-orange color of the skin and can be converted to vitamin A?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 7

A patient presents with a burn that is red, swollen, and painful, but does not blister. Which degree of burn is this?

Accepted Answer

First-degree

Question 8

Which of the following cells in the epidermis is responsible for activating the immune system by ingesting foreign substances?

Accepted Answer

Dendritic (Langerhans) cells

Question 9

Which layer of the dermis is responsible for providing strength and elasticity due to its dense irregular connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

Reticular dermis

Question 10

Which type of sweat gland is most abundant and plays a major role in thermoregulation?

Accepted Answer

Eccrine gland

Question 11

A person with a genetic mutation that reduces melanin production is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of sebaceous (oil) glands?

Accepted Answer

Secrete sebum to soften and lubricate skin and hair

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pairing of skin cancer type and its characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma: second most common, can metastasize

Question 14

The nail matrix is responsible for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Producing new nail cells for growth

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why fair-skinned individuals often appear pinkish?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin in blood vessels close to the skin surface

Question 16

A patient with a third-degree burn will likely require which of the following treatments?

Accepted Answer

Skin grafting

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of hair in humans?

Accepted Answer

Protection from physical trauma and heat loss

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of tactile epithelial cells (Merkel cells) in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Detect touch sensations

Question 19

A patient with a genetic disorder that prevents the formation of desmosomes would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Fragile skin that blisters easily

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the 'rule of nines' in burn assessment?

Accepted Answer

A method to estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns

The Integumentary System: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

Study Guide - Practice Questions