Skin Structure and Function Quiz

The deepest layer of skin, primarily composed of fat cells (adipose tissue) that provide insulation and cushioning.

Strong fibrous connective tissue that divides the fat into compartments within the hypodermis.

Ability of the skin to move freely over underlying tissues due to the presence of the hypodermis.

Burns affecting only the top layer of skin (epidermis).

Burns affecting both the epidermis and dermis, requiring skin grafts for healing.

The outermost layer of the skin, composed of dead, flattened cells filled with keratin. This layer continually sheds and flakes off.

A thin layer found only in thick skin, such as the palms and soles. These cells lack nuclei and organelles and are densely packed with keratin.

A layer with 3-5 layers of cells, containing granules of keratohyalin and membrane-coating granules. These cells undergo apoptosis and become impermeable.

The thickest layer of the epidermis, with mitotically active cells connected by desmosomes, making it look prickly. It contains Langerhans cells and produces cytokeratin.

The innermost layer of the epidermis, a single layer of cuboidal cells actively dividing. It connects to the dermis and contains melanocytes and Merkel cells.

The process of keratinocyte maturation and differentiation, where cells change their shape and structure as they move through the epidermis.

Special cells in the epidermis that produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color and protects from UV light.

Cells in the stratum basale that function as mechanoreceptors, sensing touch and pressure.

The superficial layer of the dermis, characterized by loose connective tissue with projections called dermal ridges that interlock with the epidermis. It houses capillaries, mechanoreceptors and pain receptors.

The deeper layer of the dermis, composed of dense irregular connective tissue rich in collagen fibers. It anchors skin appendages, houses other mechanoreceptors, and contains smooth muscle.

Specialized cells in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and resilience.

Dendritic cells in the stratum spinosum of the epidermis, acting as antigen-presenting cells, crucial for immune responses in the skin.

The mechanism by which sebaceous glands release their oily sebum, involving the disintegration of the entire cell as the secretory product.

The compact, keratinised epithelial cells forming the visible part of the nail, resting on the nail bed.

The epidermis beneath the nail plate, providing support and a base for nail growth.

The proximal fold of epidermis surrounding the nail, often referred to as the cuticle.

The distal fold of epidermis surrounding the nail, protecting the nail from damage.

The organs from which hairs develop, found within the dermis.

A mixture of oily substances, primarily cholesterol and triglycerides, secreted by sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin and hair.

Specialized sweat glands found throughout the skin, releasing watery sweat directly onto the skin surface, playing a role in thermoregulation.

Sweat glands mainly located in the genital, axillary, and areola regions, producing a more odorous sweat, previously believed to be apocrine secretion but now considered merocrine.