Title: The Integumentary System
Course: Question Banks

Q: What is the outermost layer of skin?
- dermis (Incorrect. The outermost layer is the epidermis. The dermis is the layer of skin in between the epidermis and the hypodermis)
- hypodermis (Incorrect. The outermost layer is the epidermis, the hypodermis is the lowermost layer of skin.)
- epidermis (Correct.)
A: epidermis

Q: What layer of the skin has numerous autonomic and sympathetic nerve fibers ensuring communication to and from the brain?
- dermis (Incorrect. The dermis layer has dense, irregular connective tissue that houses blood vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands. The hypodermis layer has numerous nerve fibers.)
- epidermis (Incorrect. The epidermis has closely packed epithelial cells, the hypodermis layer has numerous nerve fibers.)
- hypodermis (Correct.)
A: hypodermis

Q: The dermis layer of skin is known for ________.
- numerous autonomic and sympathetic nerve fibers (Incorrect. This is the hypodermis, the dermis layer has dense, irregular tissue that houses blood vessels and other structures.)
- closely packed epithelial cells (Incorrect. This is the epidermis, the dermis layer has dense, irregular tissue that houses blood vessels and other structures.)
- connective tissue that houses blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands (Correct.)
A: connective tissue that houses blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands

Q: What layer of the epidermis consists of mainly basal cells?
- stratum corneum (Incorrect. The stratum basale contains basal cells, the stratum corneum contains cells that shed periodically.)
- stratum spinosum. (Incorrect. The stratum basale contains basal cells, the stratum spinosum has 8-10 layers of keratinocytes.)
- stratum basale (Correct. The stratum basale is a single layer of cells primarily made of basal cells which are cuboidal-shaped stem cells.)
A: stratum basale

Q: What is the function of desmosomes?
- Desmosomes give hair and skin their color. (Incorrect. Melanin gives hair and skin its color and helps protect the living cells of the epidermis from UV radiation damage.)
- Desmosomes function as macrophages by engulfing bacteria, foreign particles, and damaged cells. (Incorrect. This is the Langerhans cells.)
- Interlock with each other and strengthen the bond between the cells. (Correct.)
A: Interlock with each other and strengthen the bond between the cells.

Q: What is a keratinocyte?
- a cell that produces the pigment melanin (Incorrect. A melanocyte is a cell that produces the pigment melanin, a keratinocyte produces keratin.)
- a cell that functions as a macrophage by engulfing bacteria, foreign particles and damaged cells (Incorrect. This is a Langerhans cell, a keratinocyte produces keratin.)
- a cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin (Correct. A keratinocyte is a cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin (an intracellular fibrous protein that gives hair, nails, and skin their hardness and water-resistant properties).)
A: a cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin

Q: The dermis is made of ________ layers of connective tissue.
- six (Incorrect. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that compose an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers.)
- three (Incorrect. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that compose an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers.)
- two (Correct. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that compose an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.)
A: two

Q: What cell type(s) can be found in the papillary layer of dermis?
- basal cells (Incorrect. The epidermis layer of skin contains the stratum basale, a single layer of cells primarily made of basal cells.)
- merkel cells (Incorrect. Merkel cells can be found in the epidermis layer of skin dispersed among the basal cells.)
- fibroblasts, fat cells and phagocytes (Correct. Within the papillary layer of dermis are fibroblasts, a small number of fat cells (adipocytes), and the papillary layer contains phagocytes.)
A: fibroblasts, fat cells and phagocytes

Q: What is the function of collagen fibers?
- to provide elasticity to the skin and enable movement (Incorrect. This is elastin, collagen fibers provide structure and tensile strength.)
- to give hair and skin their color (Incorrect. This is melanin, collagen fibers provide structure and tensile strength.)
- to provide structure and tensile strength (Correct.)
A: to provide structure and tensile strength

Q: What layer of skin serves to connect the skin to the underlying fascia of the bones and muscles?
- dermis (Incorrect. The hypodermis is the layer directly below the dermis and serves to connect the skin to the underlying fascia.)
- epidermis (Incorrect. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and the lowermost layer is the hypodermis.)
- hypodermis (Correct.)
A: hypodermis

Q: What is the function of adipose tissue?
- gives cells their transparent appearance and provides a barrier to water (Incorrect. This is Eleiden, adipose tissue provides a mode of fat storage.)
- manufactures and stores the protein keratin (Incorrect. This is keratinocytes, adipose tissue provides a mode of fat storage.)
- functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for the integument (Correct.)
A: functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for the integument

Q: The hypodermis is used mainly for ________.
- the production of melanin (Incorrect. This is a role of the stratum basale.)
- preventing the penetration of microbes (Incorrect. This is the role of the stratum corneum.)
- fat storage (Correct.)
A: fat storage

Q: What is the function of a melanosome?
- to produce melanin (Incorrect. This is a role of melanocytes.)
- to interlock with other melanosomes and strengthen the bond between cells (Incorrect. This is the desmosome.)
- to transfer melanin into the keratinocyte (Correct. The melanin is transferred into the keratinocytes via a cellular vesicle called a melanosome.)
A: to transfer melanin into the keratinocyte

Q: What is eumelanin?
- a layer of insulation and cushioning for the integument (Incorrect. This is adipose tissue.)
- a cell that produces the pigment melanin (Incorrect. This is a melanocyte.)
- a form of melanin (Correct.)
A: a form of melanin

Q: What is the fate of melanosomes?
- to interlock with each other and strengthen the bond between the cells (Incorrect. This is the function of desmosomes.)
- to engulf bacteria, foreign particles and damaged cells (Incorrect. This is the function of Langerhans cells.)
- to be destroyed by fusion with lysosomes. (Correct. Melanosomes are temporary structures that are eventually destroyed by fusion with lysosomes.)
A: to be destroyed by fusion with lysosomes.

Q: What is the first phase of hair growth?
- catagen (Incorrect. The catagen phase lasts only 2 to 3 weeks, and marks a transition from the hair follicle’s active growth.)
- telogen (Incorrect. The telogen is the final phase when the hair follicle is at rest and no new growth occurs.)
- anagen (Correct. The first phase is the anagen phase, during which cells divide rapidly at the root of the hair, pushing the hair shaft up and out.)
A: anagen

Q: What cell layer of the hair follicle surrounds the root of the growing hair and extends just up to the hair shaft?
- the external root sheath (Incorrect. The external root sheath, which is an extension of the epidermis, encloses the hair root, it is made of basal cells at the base of the hair root and tends to be more keratinous in the upper regions.)
- the glassy membrane (Incorrect. The glassy membrane is a thick, clear connective tissue sheath covering the hair root, connecting it to the tissue of the dermis.)
- the internal root sheath (Correct. The cells of the internal root sheath surround the root of the growing hair and extend just up to the hair shaft, they are derived from the basal cells of the hair matrix.)
A: the internal root sheath

Q: The medulla is ________ of the hair bulb
- a layer of compressed, keratinized cells (Incorrect. This is the cortex which surrounds the medulla.)
- the outer layer (Incorrect. This is the cuticle, an outer layer of very hard keratinized cells.)
- the central core (Correct. The medulla forms the central core of the hair, which is surrounded by the cortex, a layer of compressed, keratinized cells that is covered by an outer layer of very hard, keratinized cells known as the cuticle.)
A: the central core

Q: What is the function of the nail fold?
- enables the nail to grow continuously (Incorrect. The nail root, which has a matrix of proliferating cells from the stratum basale that enables the nail to grow continuously.)
- protects the tips of our fingers and toes (Incorrect. The nail body is formed on the nail bed, and protects the tips of our fingers and toes.)
- helps anchor the nail body (Correct. The lateral nail fold overlaps the nail on the sides, helping to anchor the nail body.)
A: helps anchor the nail body

Q: What type of gland is the primary component of thermoregulation in humans?
- apocrine gland (Incorrect. The release of sweat from the apocrine gland is under both nervous and hormonal control, and plays a role in the poorly understood human pheromone response.)
- sebaceous gland (Incorrect. The sebaceous gland helps to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.)
- eccrine gland (Correct. Eccrine glands are a primary component of thermoregulation in humans and thus help to maintain homeostasis.)
A: eccrine gland

Q: What glands secrete sebum?
- apocrine glands (Incorrect. In addition to water and salts, apocrine sweat includes organic compounds that make the sweat thicker and subject to bacterial decomposition and subsequent smell.)
- eccrine glands (Incorrect. The type of sweat, released by the eccrine gland, is hypotonic and composed mostly of water, with some salt, antibodies, traces of metabolic waste, and dermicidin, an antimicrobial peptide.)
- sebaceous glands (Correct. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles. They generate and excrete sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface.)
A: sebaceous glands

Q: ________ is present on the skin surface, and helps it protect the body from infection.
- Acne (Incorrect. Microorganisms which reside on the skin (skin flora), play an important role in protection of the skin.)
- Pathogenic bacteria (Incorrect. Microorganisms which reside on the skin and are not pathogenic (skin flora), play an important role in protection of the skin.)
- Skin flora (Correct. Microorganisms which reside on the skin (skin flora), play an important role in protection.)
A: Skin flora

Q: What protects the skin from water loss?
- skin flora (Incorrect. Microorganisms which reside on the skin (skin flora), play an important role in protection of the skin, layers of keratin and glycolipids in the stratum corneum help protect from water loss.)
- pathogenic bacteria (Incorrect. Layers of keratin and glycolipids in the stratum corneum help protect from water loss.)
- layers of keratin and glycolipids (Correct.)
A: layers of keratin and glycolipids

Q: What is the Meissner corpuscle?
- a nerve ending in the skin that responds to vibration (Incorrect. The Pacinian corpuscle (lamellated corpuscle) responds to vibration, the Meissner corpuscle responds to light touch.)
- a nerve ending that detects sustained pressure (Incorrect. The merkel nerve endings detect sustained pressure, the Meissner corpuscle responds to light touch.)
- a nerve ending in the skin that responds to light touch (Correct.)
A: a nerve ending in the skin that responds to light touch

Q: The integumentary system helps regulate body temperature through its tight association with the ________.
- parasympathetic nervous system (Incorrect. The sympathetic nervous system is continuously monitoring body temperature and initiating appropriate motor responses.)
- Hormonal system (Incorrect. The sympathetic nervous system is continuously monitoring body temperature and initiating appropriate motor responses.)
- sympathetic nervous system (Correct. The sympathetic nervous system is continuously monitoring body temperature and initiating appropriate motor responses.)
A: sympathetic nervous system

Q: The arterioles in the dermis dilate so that ________.
- heat can be retained to maintain body temperature (Incorrect. In addition to sweating, arterioles in the dermis dilate so that excess heat carried by the blood can dissipate through the skin and into the surrounding environment.)
- sebaceous glands can increase production of sebum (Incorrect. In addition to sweating, arterioles in the dermis dilate so that excess heat carried by the blood can dissipate through the skin and into the surrounding environment.)
- excess heat carried by the blood can dissipate through the skin (Correct. In addition to sweating, arterioles in the dermis dilate so that excess heat carried by the blood can dissipate through the skin and into the surrounding environment.)
A: excess heat carried by the blood can dissipate through the skin

Q: What type of glands are involved in regulating body temperature?
- mammary (Incorrect. Sudoriferous glands, accessory structures to the skin, secrete sweat to cool the body when it becomes warm.)
- sebaceous (Incorrect. This gland secretes sebum, a mixture of lipids, onto the skin surface, thereby naturally lubricating the dry and dead layer of keratinized cells.)
- sudoriferous (Correct. Sudoriferous glands, accessory structures to the skin, secrete sweat to cool the body when it becomes warm.)
A: sudoriferous

Q: Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of ________.
- calcium and magnesium (Incorrect. Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are required for healthy bones.)
- calcium and iron (Incorrect. Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are required for healthy bones.)
- calcium and phosphorous (Correct. Vitamin D is essential for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorous, which are required for healthy bones.)
A: calcium and phosphorous

Q: Rickets can be caused by a lack of ________.
- melanin (Incorrect. The lack of vitamin D in the body can results in rickets, a painful condition in children where the bones are misshapen due to a lack of calcium, causing bowleggedness.)
- iron
- Incorrect. The lack of vitamin D in the body can results in rickets, a painful condition in children where the bones are misshapen due to a lack of calcium, causing bowleggedness.
- vitamin D (Correct. The lack of vitamin D in the body can results in rickets, a painful condition in children where the bones are misshapen due to a lack of calcium, causing bowleggedness.)
A: vitamin D

Q: Where is cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D_3, converted to calcidiol?
- the kidney (Incorrect. The liver converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is then converted to calcitriol (the active chemical form of the vitamin) in the kidneys.)
- the epidermis (Incorrect. The liver converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is then converted to calcitriol (the active chemical form of the vitamin) in the kidneys.)
- the liver (Correct. The liver converts cholecalciferol to calcidiol, which is then converted to calcitriol (the active chemical form of the vitamin) in the kidneys.)
A: the liver

Q: What form of cancer affects mitotically active stem cells in the epidermis?
- squamous cell carcinoma (Incorrect. Squamous cell carcinoma affects keratinocytes whereas basal cell carcinoma affects the mitotically active stem cells in the epidermis.)
- melanoma (Incorrect. Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes whereas basal cell carcinoma affects the mitotically active stem cells in the epidermis.)
- basal cell carcinoma (Correct. Basal cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that affects the mitotically active stem cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis.)
A: basal cell carcinoma

Q: Squamous cell carcinoma is the ________ common skin cancer.
- most (Incorrect. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common.)
- third most (Incorrect. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer.)
- second most (Correct. It is the second most common skin cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that two of 10 skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and it is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma.)
A: second most

Q: What type of skin cancer is highly metastatic and can be difficult to detect before it has spread to other organs?
- basal cell carcinoma (Incorrect. Basal cell carcinomas start in the stratum basale and usually spread along this boundary, they begin to grow toward the surface and become an uneven patch, bump, growth, or scar on the skin surface. They respond best to treatment when caught early.)
- squamous cell carcinoma (Incorrect. The American Cancer Society reports that two of 10 skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and it is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. If not removed, these carcinomas can metastasize.)
- melanoma (Correct.)
A: melanoma

Q: What type of skin disorder is an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin?
- acne (Incorrect. Acne is a skin disturbance in skin areas rich in sebaceous gland.)
- squamous cell carcinoma (Incorrect. This is a type of skin cancer, eczema is an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin.)
- eczema (Correct. Eczema is an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin that resemble rashes which may be accompanied by swelling of the skin, flaking, and in severe cases, bleeding.)
A: eczema

Q: Acne is ________.
- an allergic reaction that manifests as dry, itchy patches of skin (Incorrect. This is eczema, acne is a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands.)
- asymmetrical brown and black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface (Incorrect. This is melanoma, acne is a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands.)
- a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands (Correct.)
A: a skin disturbance that typically occurs on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands

Q: In acne, an overproduction and accumulation of sebum along with keratin can block ________.
- vitamin D synthesis (Incorrect. Hormones such as androgens stimulate release of sebum, an overproduction/accumulation of this along with keratin can block hair follicles and cause acne.)
- production of melanin (Incorrect. Hormones such as androgens stimulate release of sebum, an overproduction/accumulation of this along with keratin can block hair follicles and cause acne.)
- hair follicles (Correct. Hormones such as androgens stimulate release of sebum, an overproduction/accumulation of this along with keratin can block hair follicles and cause acne.)
A: hair follicles

Q: What is the first step to repairing damaged skin?
- Basal stem cells recreate the epidermis. (Incorrect. This is a later step in repairing skin, the first step is the formation of a blood clot that helps stop the flow of blood and scabs over with time.)
- Collagen is deposited. (Incorrect. This is a later step in repairing damaged skin, the first step is the formation of a blood clot that helps stop the flow of blood and scabs over with time.)
- A blood clot is formed. (Correct. The first step to repairing damaged skin is the formation of a blood clot that helps stop the flow of blood and scabs over with time.)
A: A blood clot is formed.

Q: What is a potential threat to burn patients?
- skin cancer (Incorrect. Bacterial infection is a more likely danger to burn patients than skin cancer.)
- acne (Incorrect. Bacterial infection is a more likely danger to burn patients than skin acne.)
- infection (Correct.)
A: infection

Q: A ________ burn involves underlying muscle and bone.
- second-degree (Incorrect. Fourth degree burns involve muscle and bone whereas second-degree burns affects the epidermis and a portion of the dermis.)
- third-degree (Incorrect. Third-degree burns fully extend into the epidermis and dermis, destroying the tissue and affecting the nerve endings and sensory function.)
- fourth-degree (Correct. A fourth-degree burn is very severe, affecting the underlying muscle and bone.)
A: fourth-degree

Q: A fourth-degree burn involves ________.
- epidermis and dermis including nerve endings (Incorrect. Third-degree burns fully extend into the epidermis and dermis, destroying the tissue and affecting the nerve endings and sensory function.)
- epidermis and a portion of the dermis (Incorrect. Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and a portion of the dermis.)
- muscle and bone (Correct. A fourth-degree burn is very severe, affecting the underlying muscle and bone.)
A: muscle and bone

Q: The initial response of the body to injury is ________.
- vasodilation (Incorrect. Upon tissue injury, inflammation causes damaged cells to release inflammatory chemical signals that evoke local vasodilation.)
- coagulation (Incorrect. After containment of an injury, the tissue repair phase starts with removal of toxins and waste products. Clotting (coagulation) reduces blood loss from damaged blood vessels.)
- inflammation (Correct. Inflammation is the standard, initial response of the body to injury.)
A: inflammation

Q: Angiogenesis is ________.
- the widening of the blood vessels (Incorrect. Vasodilation is the widening of the blood vessels.)
- programmed cell death (Incorrect. This is apoptosis, angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels.)
- the growth of new blood vessels (Correct. Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, results in vascularization of the new tissue.)
A: the growth of new blood vessels

Q: What type of cells replace the collagen and extracellular material lost by the injury?
- mast cells (Incorrect. Mast cells release histamine that cause vasodilation.)
- macrophages (Incorrect. Macrophages are inflammatory cells.)
- fibroblasts (Correct. As healing progresses, fibroblasts from the surrounding connective tissues replace the collagen and extracellular material lost by the injury.)
A: fibroblasts