FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI

STUDY QUESTIONS
Integumentary System
1) Keratinocytes are the predominant cells in the:
a) epidermis
b) papillary region of the dermis
c) reticular region of the dermis
d) subcutaneous layer
e) All of the above are correct
2) Nourishment to cells in the epidermis is provided by:
a) blood vessels running through the stratum basale
b) keratinocytes
c) blood vessels in the dermal papillae
d) bacteria that live in sebaceous glands
e) Both A and C are correct
3) Absorption of damaging light rays is the primary function of:
a) keratin
b) sebum
c) cerumen
d) melanin
e) Keratohyalin
4) The layer of the skin from which new epidermal cells are derived is the
a) Stratum corneum
b) Stratum basale
c) Stratum lucidum
d) Dermis
e) Reticular layer
5) The function of keratin is to:
a) make bone hard
b) make skin tough and waterproof
c) protect skin from ultraviolet light
d) provided added pigment to the skin of Asian races
e) provide nourishment to the epidermal cells
6)

The reproducing cells of the epidermis are found in the

a) Stratum basale
b) Stratum spinosum
c) Stratum lucidum
d) Stratum corneum
e) All of these layers contains reproducing cells

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
7) The stratum basale contains:
a) stem cells of keratinocytes
b) many blood vessels
c) eccrine sweat glands
d) hair follicles
e) Both A and B are correct
8) Which of the following is most superficial?
a) stratum basale
b) papillary region of the dermis
c) hypodermis
d) stratum granulosum
e) stratum corneum
9) The epidermis is made up of:
a) dense irregular connective tissue
b) stratified squamous epithelium
c) areolar connective tissue
d) smooth muscle
e) All of the above are correct
10) "Goosebumps" occur due to:
a) over-stimulation of secretion from sudoriferous glands
b) over-stimulation of secretion from sebaceous glands
c) separation of the epidermis from the dermis
d) vasodilation of blood vessels in the skin
e) the action of arrector pili muscles as they raise hairs to an upright position
11) The outermost layer of the epidermis is the:
a) Stratum lucidum
b) Reticular layer
c) Stratum corneum
d) Superficial fascia
e) stratum basale
12) Sweat is produced by:
a) keratinocytes.
b) melanocytes.
c) ceruminous glands.
d) sudoriferous glands.
e) sebaceous glands.
13) Which of the following is present in thick skin but not in thin skin?
a) stratum germinativum
b) stratum lucidum
c) stratum corneum
d) stratum granulosum
e) dermal papillae

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
14) The function of melanin is to
a) make skin tough and waterproof
b) Connect the epidermis to the dermis
c) Provide flexibility to skin
d) Provide nutrients to dying epidermal cells
e) Protect skin from ultraviolet light
15) Hair and nails are modifications of the
a) Melanocytes
b) Hypodermis
c) Sudoriferous glands
d) Epidermis
e) Dermis
16) The stratum corneum is:
a) the innermost layer of the epidermis.
b) highly vascular.
c) made up of dead cells.
d) seen only in the palms and soles.
e) the layer in which keratin begins to form.
17) Melanocytes
a) are spidery-shaped cells in contact with cells in the stratum basale
b) Forms structures called melanosomes
c) Produces a substance incorporated by other cells
d) All answers are correct
18) Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the epidermis?
a) It is keratinized.
b) Blood vessels travel from the dermis to the outer layers through special channels.
c) All of the cells in the epidermis reproduce rapidly.
d) It is made mostly of areolar connective tissue.
e) Both A and C are correct.
19) The "ABCD" signs are used to assess:
a) the seriousness of decubitus ulcers.
b) whether sufficient oxygen is being transported by blood.
c) the percentage of surface area lost to a burn.
d) a person's total risk of developing skin cancer.
e) a skin lesion suspected of being a malignant melanoma.
20) The average length of time for a cell to be produced by the stratum basale, rise to the
surface, become keratinized, and slough off is about how long?
a) 24minus48 hours
b) two weeks
c) one month
d) one year
e) Once cells are keratinized, they never slough off.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
21) A skin condition in which abnormal keratin is produced and keratinocytes are shed
prematurely is:
a) psoriasis.
b) malignant melanoma.
c) albinism.
d) alopecia.
e) impetigo.
22) Corpuscles of touch (Meissner's corpuscles) are located in the:
a) stratum basale.
b) stratum corneum.
c) apocrine sweat glands.
d) dermal papillae.
e) hair follicles.
23) Just beneath the stratum basale of the epidermis is the:
a) stratum corneum of the epidermis.
b) hypodermis.
c) reticular layer of the dermis.
d) papillary regions of the dermis.
e) skeletal muscle.
24) Nutrients reach the surface of the skin (epidermis) through the process of:
a) Absorbing material applied to the surface layer of the skin
b) Utilizing the products of merocrine glands to nourish the epidermis
c) The outer layer of the skin does not require nutrients because the external layer of
cells is not living.
d) Diffusing through the tissue fluid from blood vessels in the dermis.
25) The papillary region of the dermis consists mostly of:
a) areolar connective tissue.
b) adipose tissue.
c) smooth muscle.
d) stratified squamous epithelium.
e) dense irregular connective tissue.
26) The reticular layer of the dermis consists mostly of:
a) areolar connective tissue.
b) adipose tissue.
c) smooth muscle.
d) Stratified squamous epithelium.
e) dense irregular connective tissue.
27) Striae are:
a) free nerve endings sensing touch.
b) the epidermal ridges that form fingerprints.
c) stretch marks resulting from tears in the dermis.
d) intermediate filaments connecting desmosomes.
e) areas of fat storage.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
28) Fat storage is an important function of the:
a) epidermis.
b) papillary region of the dermis.
c) reticular region of the dermis.
d) subcutaneous layer.
e) All of the above except the epidermis.
29) Tyrosinase is required for the production of:
a) keratin.
b) melanin.
c) cerumen.
d) sebum.
e) apocrine sweat.
30) Synthesis of vitamin D begins with the activation of a precursor molecule in the skin by:
a) melanin.
b) keratin.
c) sebum.
d) UV light.
e) temperatures above 60degreeF in the external environment.
31) Enzymatic activity within melanosomes is increased by:
a) apoptosis of epidermal cells.
b) environmental temperatures above normal body temperature.
c) increased activity of sweat glands.
d) tension on desmosomes.
e) exposure to UV light.
32) Albinism results from:
a) liver disease.
b) low oxygen levels in the blood.
c) lack of the enzyme tyrosinase
d) too little exposure to sunlight.
e) viral infection.
33) The epidermis consists of five layers of cells, each layer with a distinct role to play in the
health, well-being and functioning of the skin. Which of the following layers is
responsible for cell division and replacement?
a) Stratum corneum
b) Stratum granulosum
c) Stratum germinativum
d) Stratum lucidum
34) Which of the following statements best describes what fingernails actually are?
a) A modification of the epidermis.
b) Are identical to hair but contain ten times as much keratin
c) Are extensions of the carpal bones
d) Have nothing to do with skin.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
35) Cyanosis is indicative of:
a) lack of tyrosinase.
b) liver disease.
c) inflammation.
d) insufficient oxygen in blood.
e) patchy loss of melanocytes.
36) The blood vessels nourishing a hair follicle are located in the:
a) arrector pili.
b) cortex of the hair.
c) cuticle of the hair.
d) matrix cells.
e) papilla of the hair.
37) Production of new hairs is the responsibility of the:
a) arrector pili.
b) cortex of the hair.
c) cuticle of the hair.
d) matrix cells.
e) papilla of the hair.
38) Sebaceous glands usually secrete their products into the:
a) blood.
b) necks of hair follicles.
c) peaks of epidermal ridges.
d) melanosomes.
e) external auditory canal.
39) Fats, cholesterol, and pheromones are important components of:
a) keratin.
b) melanin.
c) sebum.
d) eccrine sweat
e) hair and nails.
40) Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
a) Absorption
b) Protection
c) Sensation
d) Maintains homeostasis
41) Place the following into the order they would be severed by a knife during surgery
1) Stratum lucidum
2) Stratum corneum
3) Stratus basale
4) Stratum granulosum
5) Dermis

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
42) Vitamin D production by the skin depends on
a) Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
b) The presence of thyroid hormones
c) The presence of keratin
d) A normal body temperature
e) All answers are correct.
43) ALL of the following events occur during deep wound healing EXCEPT :
a) vasodilation of blood vessels.
b) suspension of the rules of contact inhibition.
c) formation of a blood clot.
d) synthesis of scar tissue by fibroblasts.
e) increased permeability of blood vessels.
44) Which of the following layers of epidermis is in a constant state of mitosis?
a) Stratum basale
b) Stratum spinosum
c) Stratum lucidum
d) stratum granulosum
e) Both stratum basale and stratum spinosum
45) The process of fibrosis results in:
a) some form of skin cancer.
b) scar formation.
c) excessive production of skin pigment.
d) excessive production of hair and nails.
e) premature wrinkling of skin.
46) Blisters form in second-degree burns because:
a) the epidermis and dermis separate, and tissue fluid accumulates between the
layers.
b) the dermal papillae extend through the damaged epidermis, and are exposed to the
external environment.
c) damaged nerve endings swell.
d) accumulated tissue fluid is necessary for scar formation.
e) the cells of the stratum basale are reproducing at such a rapid rate.
47) The most common forms of skin cancer are all caused, at least in part, by:
a) chronic dryness of skin.
b) over-secretion by sudoriferous glands.
c) chronic exposure to sunlight.
d) over-production of keratin.
e) chronically reduced blood flow in the dermis.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
48) Sudoriferous glands are categorized as two distinct types. Which of the following are the
two types:
a) Eccrine and apocrine.
b) Eccrine and sebaceous
c) Apocrine and sebaceous
d) Mammillary and ceruminous
e) Holocrine and mammillary
49) Differences in skin color among human races is due primarily to the:
a) total number of melanocytes.
b) total number of keratinocytes.
c) amount of melanin produced by melanocytes.
d) amount of keratin produced by keratinocytes.
e) amount of iron in hemoglobin molecules.
50) During deep wound healing, mesenchyme cells that migrate to the site of injury during
the inflammatory phase will develop into:
a) keratinocytes.
b) melanocytes.
c) fibroblasts.
d) phagocytes.
e) collagen fibers.
COMPLETION
71) The red/brown/black pigment in skin that absorbs UV light is _____.
72) Individuals who do not get enough exposure to sunlight or who do not consume enough
fortified milk may develop a deficiency of vitamin_____
73) The pinkish red color of the skin of white people is due to the pigment _____ in red blood
cells.
74) The outermost layer of a hair is called the _____.
75) Contraction of smooth muscle called _____ pulls a hair shaft perpendicular to the skin
surface.
76) The more common type of sweat gland is the _____ gland.
77) The single layer of continually reproducing cells in the epidermis is called the _____.
78) The most superficial layer of cells in the epidermis is called the _____.
79) The protein in the outer layer of the epidermis that provides protection against
mechanical injury and bacterial invasion is _____.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
80) The main function of eccrine gland sweat is to _____.
81) The layer of the epidermis seen in thick skin that is NOT seen in thin skin is the _____.
82) The most common skin cancers are the _____.
83) The branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders is
_____.
84) A yellowed appearance of skin and the whites of the eyes due to buildup of bilirubin
resulting from liver disease is called _____.
85) Redness of the skin due to increased blood flow is known as _____.
86) The most common of the cell types in the epidermis is the _____.
87) Cells that arise from the red bone marrow and migrate to the epidermis where they
participate in immune responses are the _____.
88) Cells in the epidermis that function in the sensation of touch are the _____.
89) The stem cells of the epidermis are located in the stratum _____.
90) Keratohyalin is a protein distinctive of the stratum _____.
91) A lipid-rich, water-repellent secretion is produced by structures known as _____ within
the keratinocytes of the stratum granulosum.
92) The characteristic of epidermal cells that causes them to stop migrating during wound
healing once they are touching other epidermal cells on all sides is called _____.
93) The process of scar tissue formation is called _____.
94) When body temperature begins to fall, to prevent further heat loss blood vessels in the
skin will _____.
95) In the negative feedback loop in which the integumentary system helps regulate body
temperature, the effectors are the _____ and the _____.
96) List and briefly discuss the functions of skin.

FBD0014 BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

CFS MSU AISHAH RASHIDI
97) Describe the structural characteristics of the epidermis that relate to its protection
100) Compare and contrast the locations and structure of thin and thick skin.
101.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the epidermis of thin skin?

a. Melanosomes
b. Keratinized cells
c. Capillaries
d. Keratin
e. All of the above

102.

Keratohyalin granules are most apparent in which of the following layers of the
epidermis?
a. Stratum basale
b. Stratum spinosum
c. Stratum granulosum
d. Stratum lucidum
e. Stratum corneum

103.

Mitotic activity in the epidermis can be observed in which of the following?

a. Stratum basale only
b. Stratum spinosum only
c. Stratum basale and stratum spinosum
d. Stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum
e. Stratum basale and stratum granulosum

104.

Which of the following cells has been implicated in playing a role in immunological
reactions in the skin?
a. Melanocyte
b. Capillary epithelial cell
c. Langerhans cell
d. Hair follicle cell
e. Arrector pili smooth muscle cell

105.

Which of the following best describes sebaceous glands?

a. Apocrine
b. Holocrine
c. Merocrine
d. Endocrine

106.

The basic tissue types found in the skin include:

a. Muscle
b. Nerve
c. Connective
d. Epithelium
e. All of the above

107.

The structure that contracts to cause "goose bumps" in the skin, is the:
A. dermal papilla
B. arrector pili
C. sebaceous gland
D. hair follicle
E. eccrine gland