Integumentary System Quiz

People with albinism have a defect in tyrosinase, an oxidase that helps to control skin pigment production. In what epidermal layer is tyrosinase active?

• Stratum lucidum

• Stratum granulosum

• Stratum basale

• Stratum spinosum

Answer explanation

Tyrosinase is active in the stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis, where melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This is crucial for understanding albinism and its effects.

Goosebumps are caused by contractions of the ______ muscle.

• arrector pili

• errector pili

• affector pili

• effector pili

Answer explanation

Goosebumps occur due to the contraction of the arrector pili muscle, which causes hair follicles to stand up. This response is part of the body's reaction to cold or fear.

Which skin layer contains accessory structures such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles?

• Dermis

• Epidermis

• Hypodermis

Answer explanation

The dermis is the skin layer that contains accessory structures such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles, making it the correct answer.

What cell produces a protein allows for waterproofing of the skin, nails, and hair?

• Keratinocytes

• Melanocytes

• Merkel (Tactile) Cells

• Langerhans (Dendritic) cell

Answer explanation

Keratinocytes are the primary cells in the epidermis that produce keratin, a protein essential for waterproofing the skin, nails, and hair. This function helps protect against water loss and external environmental factors.

What layer of epidermis does cell division occur?

• Stratum basale
• Stratum corneum

• Stratum granulosum

• Stratum lucidum

Answer explanation

Cell division occurs in the stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis. This layer contains actively dividing cells that replenish the upper layers of the skin.

A sunburn might be an example of a:

• First Degree Burn

• Second Degree Burn

• Third Degree Burn

• Fourth Degree Burn

Answer explanation

A sunburn is classified as a First Degree Burn because it affects only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain without blisters, unlike Second or higher degree burns that involve deeper layers.

Which layer of the skin has a grainy appearance due to keratin and

keratohyalin?

• Stratum lucidum

• Stratum granulosum

• Stratum spinosum

• Stratum basale

Answer explanation

The stratum granulosum is characterized by a grainy appearance due to the presence of keratin and keratohyalin, which are essential for the skin's barrier function.

The epidermis is composed of _____.

• Stratified squamous epithelium

• Simple columnar epithelium

• Adipose tissue

• Connective tissue

Answer explanation

The epidermis is primarily made up of stratified squamous epithelium, which provides protection against environmental damage. This type of tissue consists of multiple layers of flat cells, making it ideal for the skin's outer layer.

What is the function of sebum?

• Keeps skin soft and moist

• Help to regulate body temperature

• Produce vitamin D

• Protect skin from mechanical damage

Answer explanation

Sebum is an oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that helps to keep the skin soft and moist, preventing dryness and irritation. This makes 'Keeps skin soft and moist' the correct answer.

The client has burns on both legs. These areas appear white and leather-like. No blisters or bleeding are present, and there is just a “small amount of pain.” How will the nurse categorize this injury?

• First-degree burn

• Second-Degree Burn (Superficial partial-thickness)

• Second-Degree Burn (Deep partial-thickness)

• Third-Degree Burn

Answer explanation

The injury is categorized as a third-degree burn due to the white, leather-like appearance and minimal pain, indicating full thickness damage to the skin without blisters or bleeding.