Skin Anatomy & Physiology (1–15)
1. The outermost layer of the skin, providing a barrier to infection and water loss, is the:
A. Dermis
B. Hypodermis
C. Epidermis
D. Subcutaneous tissue
Answer: C
Rationale: The epidermis is the outer protective layer of the skin composed mainly of
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
2. The cells responsible for producing melanin are called:
A. Keratinocytes
B. Melanocytes
C. Merkel cells
D. Langerhans cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Melanocytes, located in the basal layer, produce melanin that protects against
UV radiation.
3. The main structural protein that gives skin strength and waterproofing is:
A. Collagen
B. Elastin
C. Keratin
D. Actin
Answer: C
Rationale: Keratin is produced by keratinocytes and provides toughness and water
resistance to skin and hair.
4. The dermis primarily consists of:
A. Stratified squamous epithelium
B. Dense irregular connective tissue
C. Smooth muscle tissue
D. Reticular epithelial cells
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis is made of dense irregular connective tissue containing collagen
and elastin fibers for strength and elasticity.
, 5. Which skin layer contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Hypodermis only
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis houses blood vessels, sweat and sebaceous glands, sensory
receptors, and hair follicles.
6. The subcutaneous layer primarily functions to:
A. Provide keratin
B. Act as insulation and energy storage
C. Produce sebum
D. Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
Answer: B
Rationale: The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) contains adipose tissue that insulates
and cushions the body.
7. Sweat glands that help regulate body temperature are called:
A. Apocrine glands
B. Sebaceous glands
C. Eccrine glands
D. Ceruminous glands
Answer: C
Rationale: Eccrine glands produce watery sweat for thermoregulation.
8. Which sensory receptor detects light touch?
A. Pacinian corpuscles
B. Ruffini endings
C. Meissner’s corpuscles
D. Free nerve endings
Answer: C
Rationale: Meissner’s corpuscles detect light touch and are concentrated in fingertips
and lips.
9. Sebaceous glands secrete:
A. Sweat
B. Sebum
1. The outermost layer of the skin, providing a barrier to infection and water loss, is the:
A. Dermis
B. Hypodermis
C. Epidermis
D. Subcutaneous tissue
Answer: C
Rationale: The epidermis is the outer protective layer of the skin composed mainly of
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
2. The cells responsible for producing melanin are called:
A. Keratinocytes
B. Melanocytes
C. Merkel cells
D. Langerhans cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Melanocytes, located in the basal layer, produce melanin that protects against
UV radiation.
3. The main structural protein that gives skin strength and waterproofing is:
A. Collagen
B. Elastin
C. Keratin
D. Actin
Answer: C
Rationale: Keratin is produced by keratinocytes and provides toughness and water
resistance to skin and hair.
4. The dermis primarily consists of:
A. Stratified squamous epithelium
B. Dense irregular connective tissue
C. Smooth muscle tissue
D. Reticular epithelial cells
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis is made of dense irregular connective tissue containing collagen
and elastin fibers for strength and elasticity.
, 5. Which skin layer contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Stratum corneum
D. Hypodermis only
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis houses blood vessels, sweat and sebaceous glands, sensory
receptors, and hair follicles.
6. The subcutaneous layer primarily functions to:
A. Provide keratin
B. Act as insulation and energy storage
C. Produce sebum
D. Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide
Answer: B
Rationale: The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) contains adipose tissue that insulates
and cushions the body.
7. Sweat glands that help regulate body temperature are called:
A. Apocrine glands
B. Sebaceous glands
C. Eccrine glands
D. Ceruminous glands
Answer: C
Rationale: Eccrine glands produce watery sweat for thermoregulation.
8. Which sensory receptor detects light touch?
A. Pacinian corpuscles
B. Ruffini endings
C. Meissner’s corpuscles
D. Free nerve endings
Answer: C
Rationale: Meissner’s corpuscles detect light touch and are concentrated in fingertips
and lips.
9. Sebaceous glands secrete:
A. Sweat
B. Sebum
