Skin Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

If a patient's skin biopsy revealed a significant decrease in melanocyte activity, which physiological effect would most likely be observed?

Heightened sensitivity to UV radiation and increased risk of skin damage. (correct)
Decreased tactile sensitivity due to fewer sensory receptors.
Increased production of vitamin D.
Compromised thermoregulation due to reduced sweat production.

A researcher is studying the effects of aging on skin physiology. Which of the following sets of changes would they most likely observe in the epidermal layer of an elderly subject compared to a younger adult?

Decreased thickness, elevated immune cell presence, and increased sweat gland activity.
Increased thickness, elevated immune cell presence, and elevated blood supply.
Decreased thickness, diminished immune cell presence, and reduced vitamin D production. (correct)
Increased thickness, decreased immune cell presence, and elevated vitamin D production.

Following a severe burn, a patient experiences impaired temperature regulation. Which of the following mechanisms is most directly compromised?

The production of oily, acidic secretions by sebaceous glands.
The ability of melanocytes to block UV radiation.
The capacity of the subcutaneous layer to store fat.
The vasodilation and vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the skin. (correct)

A patient reports excessively dry skin, particularly during the winter months. Which of the following could be a potential cause related to skin structure and function?

Reduced activity of sebaceous glands, impairing oily secretion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the body's internal temperature begins to rise, the skin initiates several mechanisms to dissipate heat. Which of the following plays the most direct role in lowering body temperature?

Secretion of sweat by sweat glands, followed by evaporation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A pharmaceutical company is developing a new topical medication designed to enhance drug absorption through the skin. Which of the following properties of the skin would be most important to consider in optimizing drug delivery?

The integrity and permeability of the stratum corneum and epidermal layers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately contrasts the function of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?

Apocrine glands are associated with hair follicles and secrete sweat in response to stress, whereas eccrine glands open directly onto the skin and primarily regulate body temperature. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A genetic mutation affects the production of keratinocytes in the stratum basale. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Impaired regeneration and repair of the epidermis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with a condition that impairs blood supply to the dermis. Which of the following functions of the skin will be most immediately affected?

Thermoregulation and nutrient supply to the epidermis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological response is initiated when internal body temperature rises above the homeostatic set point?

Activation of sweat glands and vasodilation in the dermis to dissipate heat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the epidermis comprised of?

Epithelial cells and hair shafts

What does the dermis contain?

Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, sensory receptors, and blood vessels.