The Skin

Question 1

What is one of the primary functions of the skin?

Answer 1

Protection

Protection includes barriers against micro-organisms, dehydration, and UV radiation.

Question 2

Which component of the skin helps prevent dehydration?

Answer 2

Keratin

Keratin provides a barrier that minimizes water loss.

Question 3

What role do melanins play in skin protection?

Answer 3

UV radiation protection

Melanins absorb UV radiation to protect underlying tissues.

Question 4

What types of sensations does the skin detect?

Answer 4

Pain, heat, cold, pressure, touch

These sensations are detected by somatic sensory receptors.

Question 5

How does skin contribute to endocrine functions?

Answer 5

Vitamin D production

Skin activates precursor compounds through exposure to UV light.

Question 6

What substances are excreted through the skin?

Answer 6

Water, urea, ammonia, uric acid

These are regulated by the volume and content of sweat.

Question 7

What immune function does the skin perform?

Answer 7

Destruction of micro-organisms

Interaction with immune system cells such as phagocytic cells and T cells occurs.

Question 8

How does the skin regulate temperature?

Answer 8

Heat loss or retention

This is managed through blood flow regulation and evaporation of sweat.

Question 9

What are the two main layers of the skin?

Answer 9

Epidermis and dermis

The epidermis is the superficial layer, while the dermis is the deeper layer.

Question 10

What is located between the epidermis and dermis?

Answer 10

Dermoepidermal junction

This structure connects the two main layers of the skin.

Question 11

What lies beneath the dermis?

Answer 11

Hypodermis

The hypodermis consists largely of adipose (fat) tissue and connective tissue.

Question 12

What type of tissue makes up the epidermis?

Answer 12

Epithelial tissue

The epidermis serves as the body’s first line of defense.

Question 13

What is the main role of the epidermis?

Answer 13

To protect, waterproof, absorb, and physically shield the body

The epidermis continually repairs itself through cell replication.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The skin’s ability to create and repair itself is crucial for its _______.

Answer 14

Protection

Continuous replication of skin cells is vital for maintaining this function.

Question 15

True or False: The dermis is thinner than the epidermis.

Answer 15

False

The dermis is the deeper and thicker layer compared to the epidermis.

Question 16

What happens to skin cells as they replicate?

Answer 16

They move from the basal layer to the outer layer

This process ensures continuous renewal of the skin’s surface.

Question 17

What is the primary function of the normal flora on the skin?

Answer 17

Produces oil and fights against harmful bacteria

Normal flora consists of good bacteria that help protect the skin.

Question 18

What is the epidermis and what is its vascular status?

Answer 18

Avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels

Oxygen and nutrients are supplied from the connective tissue underneath.

Question 19

How many distinct layers (strata) can cells of the epidermis be found in?

Answer 19

Up to 5 distinct layers

Each layer has different types of cells with specific functions.

Question 20

What percentage of total cells in the epidermis are keratinocytes?

Answer 20

90% of total cells

Keratinocytes produce keratin, which gives skin its toughness.

Question 21

What is the function of melanocytes in the skin?

Answer 21

Gives skin colored pigmentation and shields skin from UV radiation

Melanocytes make up about 5% of total cells in the epidermis.

Question 22

What role do dendritic (Langerhans) cells play in the epidermis?

Answer 22

Part of the immune system

Dendritic cells originate in the bone marrow and migrate to the skin.

Question 23

What are Merkel cells and their function?

Answer 23

Tactile epithelial cells that connect to nerve endings and form touch receptors

These cells are involved in the sensation of touch.

Question 24

What is the dermal-epidermal junction?

Answer 24

The membrane between the epidermis and dermis

It prevents substances from the environment from entering the blood.

Question 25

What are the two layers that form the dermis?

Answer 25

Papillary and Reticular layers ## Footnote These layers provide structure and support to the skin.

Question 26

What type of tissue is the dermis primarily made from?

Answer 26

Fibrous connective tissue ## Footnote The dermis is formed from ground substance, water, proteins, and fibers.

Question 27

What is the main function of the dermis?

Answer 27

Ensures skin's strength and serves as a storage area for water and electrolytes ## Footnote It also contains a network of nerves and sensory receptors.

Question 28

What structures are contained within the dermis?

Answer 28

* Muscle fibers * Sweat glands * Sebaceous glands * Hair follicles * Macrophages * Dendritic cells ## Footnote These components contribute to the overall function and health of the skin.

Question 29

What are the sensory receptors in the dermis responsible for?

Answer 29

Sending sensations of pain, pressure, touch & temperature via the afferent pathway to the brain

Question 30

What happens to the dermis during wound care repair?

Answer 30

Rapid regeneration occurs, creating scarring

Question 31

What are the cells found throughout the dermis called?

Answer 31

Fibroblasts

Question 32

What is the role of fibroblasts during wound healing?

Answer 32

Produce collagen & elastin

Question 33

What does collagen provide to the skin?

Answer 33

Strength & toughness

Question 34

What is elastin responsible for in the skin?

Answer 34

Skin elasticity

Question 35

What happens to fibroblast production as we age?

Answer 35

We produce less fibroblasts

Question 36

Where is the hypodermis located?

Answer 36

Between the dermis & underlying structures of the body

Question 37

Is the hypodermis considered part of the skin?

Answer 37

No

Question 38

What types of tissue make up the hypodermis?

Answer 38

Fibrous & adipose tissue

Question 39

How is the amount of adipose tissue related to health?

Answer 39

It is related to diet

Question 40

What major structures does the hypodermis carry?

Answer 40

Major blood vessels & nerves to the skin

Question 41

What is a common use for the hypodermis in medical procedures?

Answer 41

Injection site for subcutaneous medications

Question 42

What factors influence melanin production?

Answer 42

Genetics & sun exposure

Question 43

What is hyperpigmentation?

Answer 43

Increased pigmentation of the skin as we age

Question 44

What condition results from the inability to manufacture melanin?

Answer 44

Albinism

Question 45

What contributes to skin color?

Answer 45

Melanin production

Question 46

What is cyanosis?

Answer 46

A lack of oxygen in the blood

Question 47

What pigment is associated with a diet high in beta-carotene?

Answer 47

Carotene

Question 48

What condition is indicated by jaundice?

Answer 48

Liver and blood diseases

Question 49

What does erythema indicate?

Answer 49

Redness due to hot environment, fever, inflammation, or allergy

Question 50

What do bruises represent?

Answer 50

A range of discoloration

Question 51

What emotions can cause changes in skin color?

Answer 51

Blushing or paleness

Question 52

What are the accessory structures of the skin?

Answer 52

Hair, Nails, Glands (Sweat & Sebaceous) ## Footnote Accessory structures play vital roles in protection and sensory functions.

Question 53

What is the primary function of hair?

Answer 53

Protection & insulation ## Footnote Hair also helps in sensory perception.

Question 54

What controls hair growth in specific regions of the body?

Answer 54

Hormones ## Footnote Regions include axilla, scalp, and genital areas.

Question 55

What gives hair its strength?

Answer 55

Keratin ## Footnote Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms the structure of hair.

Question 56

What gives hair its color?

Answer 56

Melanin ## Footnote The amount and type of melanin determine hair color.

Question 57

Where does hair grow from?

Answer 57

Bottom of hair follicles ## Footnote Hair follicles are the structures from which hair emerges.

Question 58

What connects hair follicles to the arrector pili muscles?

Answer 58

Smooth muscle ## Footnote Arrector pili muscles cause hair to stand up (goosebumps).

Question 59

What is alopecia?

Answer 59

An autoimmune disorder where the body attacks hair follicles ## Footnote This condition leads to hair loss.

Question 60

What are the main components of nails?

Answer 60

Nail body, lunula, cuticle, nail root ## Footnote These parts each have specific structural and functional roles.

Question 61

What are nails made of?

Answer 61

Keratin ## Footnote Keratin provides nails with their protective properties.

Question 62

What causes the pink color of nails?

Answer 62

Blood supply in the dermis ## Footnote The thickness of the epidermis can affect visibility of blood vessels.

Question 63

What does cyanosis indicate?

Answer 63

Poor oxygenation or blood flow ## Footnote Cyanosis is characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin.

Question 64

What are eccrine glands?

Answer 64

Sweat glands found all over the body ## Footnote They produce sweat for thermoregulation and waste removal.

Question 65

What do apocrine glands do and where are they located?

Answer 65

Located in axilla, breast, and anal region; become active at puberty ## Footnote These glands produce a thicker type of sweat.

Question 66

What is the role of sebaceous glands?

Answer 66

Produce sebum to lubricate and protect the skin ## Footnote Sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles.

Question 67

What layers of skin are primarily involved in skin function?

Answer 67

Epidermis and Dermis ## Footnote These layers provide structure and protection.