A patient has a skin disorder that impairs the function of dendritic cells. Which of the following functions of the epidermis would be most affected?
Understand the Problem
This question is asking about the role of dendritic cells in the epidermis and how their dysfunction would impact the skin's functions. Specifically, it's asking you to identify which epidermal function would be most affected by impaired dendritic cell function.
Answer
The epidermis's ability to initiate an immune response will be most affected.
Dendritic cells are immune sentinels in the skin. Therefore, a skin disorder that impairs the function of dendritic cells would most affect the epidermis's ability to initiate an immune response to pathogens and other harmful substances.
Answer for screen readers
Dendritic cells are immune sentinels in the skin. Therefore, a skin disorder that impairs the function of dendritic cells would most affect the epidermis's ability to initiate an immune response to pathogens and other harmful substances.
More Information
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen presenting cells abundant in peripheral tissues such as skin where they function as immune sentinels.
Tips
The question requires understanding of the function of the epidermis and the role of dendritic cells in the skin's immune response.
Sources
- Human skin dendritic cells in health and disease - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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