Chapter 5

The skin consists of two layers and a closely associated layer. View this animation (http://openstaxcollege.org/l layers) to learn more about layers of the skin. What are the basic functions of each of these layers?

The papillary layer of the dermis is most closely associated with which layer of the epidermis? a. stratum spinosum b. stratum corneum C. stratum granulosum d. stratum basale

Langerhans cells are commonly found in the _____. a. stratum spinosum b. stratum corneum c. stratum granulosum d. stratum basale

The papillary and reticular layers of the dermis are composed mainly of a. melanocytes b. keratinocytes c. connective tissue d. adipose tissue

Collagen lends ____ to the skin. a. elasticity b. structure c. color d. UV protection

Which of the following is not a function of the hypodermis? a. protects underlying organs b. helps maintain body temperature c. source of blood vessels in the epidermis d. a site to long-term energy storage

In response to stimuli from the sympathetic nervous system, the arrector pili a. are glands on the skin surface b. can lead to excessive sweating c. are responsible for goose bumps d. secrete sebum

The hair matrix contains ____. a. the hair follicle b. the hair shaft c. the glassy membrane d. a layer of basal cells

Eccrine sweat glands a. are present on hair b. are present in the skin throughout the body and produce watery sweat c. produce sebum d. act as a moisturizer

Sebaceous glands a. are a type of sweat gland b. are associated with hair follicles C. may function in response to touch d. release a watery solution of salt and metabolic waste

Similar to the hair, nails grow continuously throughout our lives. Which of the following is furthest from the nail growth center? a. nail bed b. hyponychium C. nail root d. eponychium

In humans, exposure of the skin to sunlight is required for a. vitamin D synthesis b. arteriole constriction C. folate production d. thermoregulation

One of the functions of the integumentary system is protection. Which of the following does not directly contribute to that function? a. stratum lucidum b. desmosomes c. folic acid synthesis d. Merkel cells

An individual using a sharp knife notices a small amount of blood where he just cut himself. Which of the following layers of skin did he have to cut into in order to bleed? a. stratum corneum b. stratum basale c. papillary dermis d. stratum granulosum

As you are walking down the beach, you see a dead, dry, shriveled-up fish. Which layer of your epidermis keeps you from drying out? a. stratum corneum b. stratum basale c. stratum spinosum d. stratum granulosum

If you cut yourself and bacteria enter the wound, which of the following cells would help get rid of the bacteria? a. Merkel cells b. keratinocytes c. Langerhans cells d. melanocytes

In general, skin cancers a. are easily treatable and not a major health concern b. occur due to poor hygiene c. can be reduced by limiting exposure to the sun d. affect only the epidermis

Bedsores a. can be treated with topical moisturizers b. can result from deep massages c. are preventable by eliminating pressure points d. are caused by dry skin

An individual has spent too much time sun bathing. Not only is his skin painful to touch, but small blisters have appeared in the affected area. This indicates that he has damaged which layers of his skin? a. epidermis only b. hypodermis only c. epidermis and hypodermis d. epidermis and dermis

After a skin injury, the body initiates a wound-healing response. The first step of this response is the formation of a blood clot to stop bleeding. Which of the following would be the next response? a. increased production of melanin by melanocytes b. increased production of connective tissue c. an increase in Pacinian corpuscles around the wound d. an increased activity in the stratum lucidum

Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common of the skin cancers and are capable of metastasizing if not treated. This cancer affects which cells? a. basal cells of the stratum basale b. melanocytes of the stratum basale c. keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum d. Langerhans cells of the stratum lucidum

What determines the color of skin, and what is the process that darkens skin when it is exposed to UV light?

Cells of the epidermis derive from stem cells of the stratum basale. Describe how the cells change as they become integrated into the different layers of the epidermis.

Explain the differences between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.

Describe the structure and composition of nails.

Why do people sweat excessively when exercising outside on a hot day?

Explain your skin's response to a drop in body core temperature.

Why do teenagers often experience acne?

Why do scars look different from surrounding skin?