FORMAT: Official Exam
Integrated Human Sciences (NU-110) • Exam #2
STUDENT NAME: _____________________________ SCORE: ______ / 100
DATE: __________________ GRADE: _________
Figure 4.1: Layers & Structures of the Integumentary System
Question 1. What is the outermost layer of the human skin, characterized by being completely avascular (containing
no blood vessels)?
A) Subcutaneous layer (Hypodermis)
B) Deep fascia
C) Dermis
D) Epidermis [✔ Correct Answer]
Rationale: The epidermis is the outermost portion of the skin and is avascular (contains no blood vessels). The
underlying dermis is well supplied with blood vessels and nerves.
Question 2. Which epidermal protein thickens and protects the skin while acting as a primary water-resistant
barrier?
A) Keratin [✔ Correct Answer]
B) Carotene
C) Hemoglobin
D) Melanin
Rationale: Keratin is a tough protein that thickens and protects the skin while providing a water-resistant
barrier to prevent dehydration.
Question 3. A nursing student learns that skin color is primarily determined by a dark pigment that also shields
underlying tissues from harmful ultraviolet light. Which pigment is this?
A) Melanin [✔ Correct Answer]
B) Carotene
C) Hemoglobin
D) Sebum
Rationale: Melanin is the skin's main pigment produced by melanocytes; it colors the skin and protects
underlying structures from ultraviolet rays.
Galen College of Nursing • NU-110 Exam #2 | Page 1
, Question 4. In which anatomical areas of the body is the thickest layer of skin located?
A) Scalp and dorsal neck
B) Abdomen and anterior thighs
C) Soles of the feet and palms of the hands [✔ Correct Answer]
D) Eyelids and lips
Rationale: The skin reaches its greatest thickness on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands due to
thickened epidermal layers.
Question 5. Which exocrine glands secrete an oily substance called sebum directly into hair follicles to prevent skin
and hair drying?
A) Eccrine sweat glands
B) Ceruminous glands
C) Apocrine sweat glands
D) Sebaceous glands [✔ Correct Answer]
Rationale: Sebaceous glands are saclike glands that open into hair follicles and secrete sebum, an oily
substance that lubricates and prevents drying of the skin and hair.
Question 6. Specialized sweat glands located specifically in the axillary (armpit) and groin regions are classified as:
A) Eccrine glands
B) Sebaceous glands
C) Apocrine glands [✔ Correct Answer]
D) Endocrine glands
Rationale: Apocrine sweat glands are located in the armpit and groin areas and release secretions into hair
follicles.
Question 7. Which tissue layer connects the skin to the deep fascia covering underlying skeletal muscles and contains
variable amounts of adipose tissue?
A) Stratum basale
B) Epidermis
C) Subcutaneous layer (Hypodermis) [✔ Correct Answer]
D) Dermis
Rationale: The subcutaneous layer (hypodermis) connects the skin to the deep fascia covering underlying
muscles and consists of areolar connective tissue and adipose (fat) tissue.
Question 8. How does the integumentary system respond to assist in lowering elevated body temperature?
A) Sweat glands activate to release perspiration for evaporative cooling [✔ Correct Answer]
B) Keratinocytes double their production rate
C) Cutaneous blood vessels constrict to trap heat
D) Sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum to insulate the epidermis
Rationale: When body temperature rises, sweat glands activate to release perspiration onto the skin surface,
Galen College of Nursing • NU-110 Exam #2 | Page 2