Skin Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
9 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Skin Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
What is the outermost layer of the skin called?
Answer: Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier against the environment. It is composed primarily of keratinocytes and contains melanin-producing cells, making it the initial target for many dermatological laser treatments that aim to affect pigmentation or superficial skin conditions.
Which layer of skin contains blood vessels and nerves?
Answer: Dermis
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, located beneath the epidermis. It is rich in connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve endings, which are crucial for sensation, nutrient supply, and waste removal for the skin.
What is the main function of melanocytes?
Answer: Produce melanin
Melanocytes are specialized cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Their primary function is to produce melanin, a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color, which also provides protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Which part of the skin is primarily involved in temperature regulation?
Answer: Dermis
The dermis plays a key role in temperature regulation due to its extensive network of blood vessels and the presence of sweat glands. Blood vessels can dilate to release heat or constrict to conserve it, while sweat glands produce perspiration for evaporative cooling.
What is the role of the stratum corneum?
Answer: Protects against external elements
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of dead, flattened keratinocytes. Its main role is to form a tough, protective barrier that shields the body from physical, chemical, and microbial damage, and prevents excessive water loss.
Which structure anchors the skin to underlying tissues?
Answer: Hypodermis
The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is the deepest layer of the skin. Composed primarily of adipose (fat) tissue and loose connective tissue, it serves to anchor the skin to the underlying muscles and bones, providing insulation and shock absorption.
Which gland is responsible for producing sweat?
Answer: Eccrine gland
Eccrine glands are the most numerous type of sweat gland found throughout the skin, particularly on the palms, soles, and forehead. They produce a watery sweat that is essential for thermoregulation through evaporative cooling of the body.
Which type of cell is primarily responsible for immune defense in the skin?
Answer: Langerhans cell
Langerhans cells are specialized dendritic cells located in the epidermis. They are crucial components of the skin's immune system, acting as antigen-presenting cells that capture foreign invaders and initiate immune responses to protect the body.
Where are new skin cells produced?
Answer: Stratum basale
New skin cells are continuously produced in the stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis. This layer contains actively dividing keratinocytes that migrate upwards, replenishing the skin cells that are constantly shed from the surface.