Skin Structure and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the formation of protective, superficial layers of cells filled with keratin?

Stratum corneum (correct)

Stratum spinosum

Stratum granulosum

Stratum basale

What is the main function of the stratum lucidum in the epidermis?

Production of melanin

Enhanced skin flexibility

Water retention (correct)

Formation of keratin

Which cells dominate the stratum basale of the epidermis?

Melanocytes

Keratinocytes (correct)

Dendritic cells

Merkel cells

What is the main function of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the epidermis?

Accelerates keratin production Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the stratum granulosum in the epidermis?

Dehydration and cell death Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the epidermis is largely without organelles and filled with keratin?

Stratum lucidum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the cells in the stratum spinosum?

Bound together by desmosomes Signup and view all the answers

What causes the brown tones of the skin?

Synthesis of pigment by melanocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the stratum basale in the epidermis?

Cell division and replacement Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for insensible perspiration?

Stratum corneum Signup and view all the answers

Where are the epidermal ridges formed?

Stratum basale Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the epidermis contains cells that participate in the immune response?

Stratum spinosum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the subcutaneous layer?

Stabilizes the skin in relation to underlying tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of melanin in keratinocytes?

Protects the skin from UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carotene in the skin?

Accumulates in epidermal cells and fatty tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of UV radiation on the epidermis?

Stimulates the production of vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hemoglobin in the skin?

Gives capillaries in the dermis a reddish tint Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of severe sunburns?

Damage to both the epidermis and the dermis Signup and view all the answers

What causes albinism?

Deficiency or absence of melanin production Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of epidermal growth factor?

Stimulates the growth and division of epidermal cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of subcutaneous fat in infants and small children?

Provides insulation, energy reserve, and serves as a shock absorber Signup and view all the answers

What occurs with changes in the distribution of subcutaneous fat?

Central adiposity being an excessive amount of abdominal fat Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of melanocytes increasing melanin production in response to UV exposure?

Greater initial protection from sunburns Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of melanocytes in skin pigmentation?

Produce melanin from the amino acid tyrosine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Skin Structure and Function

Epidermal growth factor stimulates the growth and division of epidermal cells in tissue culture, facilitating the growth of epidermal sheets for treating severe burns.
The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is not part of the integument but stabilizes the skin in relation to underlying tissues, consisting primarily of adipose tissue.
Subcutaneous fat, making up 80% of body fat, provides insulation, energy reserve, and serves as a shock absorber in infants and small children.
Changes in the distribution of subcutaneous fat occur with growth, with central adiposity being an excessive amount of abdominal fat.
Melanin, produced by melanocytes from the amino acid tyrosine, comes in red-yellow and brown-black forms and is transferred to keratinocytes, coloring the skin temporarily.
Skin has about 1000 melanocytes per square millimeter, with different areas of the body having varying concentrations, and differences in skin pigmentation reflect different levels of melanin synthesis.
Albinism results from a deficiency or absence of melanin production, with freckles being areas serviced by melanocytes producing larger-than-average amounts of melanin.
Melanin in keratinocytes protects the skin from UV radiation, with melanocytes increasing melanin production in response to UV exposure, but this increase is not immediate.
Carotene, an orange-yellow pigment, accumulates in epidermal cells and fatty tissues, and can be converted to vitamin A, required for the normal maintenance of epithelia and the synthesis of photoreceptor pigments in the eye.
Hemoglobin in the blood gives capillaries in the dermis a reddish tint, most apparent in lightly pigmented individuals, and becomes much more pronounced when the vessels are dilated, as in flushed skin.
UV radiation stimulates the epidermis to produce vitamin D but can also damage DNA, while severe sunburns can damage both the epidermis and the dermis.
Melanin pigments act like a sunshade, providing some UV protection for the DNA in keratinocytes, and dark-skinned individuals have greater initial protection from sunburns.

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Description

Test your knowledge of human skin structure and function with this quiz. Explore topics such as epidermal growth, subcutaneous fat, melanin production, and the effects of UV radiation on the skin. Gain insights into the intricate workings of the body's largest organ.