Latest Questions All Answered Correct
2025-2026 Updated.
Functions of the Integumentary System - Answer -Resistance to trauma and infection
-Prevents loss or gain of water
-Vitamin D synthesis
-Sensory receptors for heat, cold, touch, texture, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury
-Thermoregulation
How does skin resist trauma and infection? - Answer -Skin has low pH to reduce bacteria and
fungi
-Cells are packed closely together with tough protein called keratin
Name 3 ways the integumentary system thermoregulates? - Answer -Gland’s release sweat for
evaporative cooling
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilation
Define: Vasoconstriction - Answer narrowing of blood vessels, reduces heat loss
Define: Vasodilation - Answer widening of blood vessels, increases heat loss
What are the 2 main parts of the integumentary system? - Answer Epidermis- outer layer
Dermis- underlying connective tissue
*Hypodermis not really part of the skin!*
What does the epidermis primarily consist of? - Answer keratinized stratified squamous
epithelium
What are the epidermal derivatives? - Answer glands, hair, nails
, - Dendritic (Langerhans) cells
Keratinocytes (functions) - Answer most numerous cell type, make fibrous protein keratin
Melanocytes (functions) - Answer synthesize pigment called melanin
Tactile cells (functions and 2nd name) - Answer also called Merkel cells, receptors for the
sense of touch, associated with a dermal nerve fiber
Dendritic cells (functions and 2nd name) - Answer macrophages (big phagocytic cells) that kill
microbes
What are the layers of the epidermis (list from bottom up)? - Answer - Stratum basale
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum lucidum
- Stratum corneum
What layer of the epidermis is only found in thick skin? - Answer Straum lucidum
How many layers are found in the stratum basale? - Answer 1 layer
What cells are found in the stratum basale? - Answer stem cells, keratinocytes, melanocytes,
tactile (merkel) cells
What is the importance of the stem cells in the stratum basale? - Answer makes it mitotically
active, the stem cells divide and give rise to keratinocytes
How many layers are in the stratum spinosum? - Answer 8-10 layers
What is the appearance of the cells in the stratum spinosum, and why? - Answer The cells are
flattened, which happens as they are pushed upward