BIOL251 MODULE 5 EXAM REVIEW:
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM | 50
QUESTIONS | PORTAGE LEARNING
1. Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the constant production of new
keratinocytes through active mitosis?
A. Stratum Corneum
B. Stratum Basale
C. Stratum Lucidum
D. Stratum Granulosum
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Stratum Basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis and
contains stem cells that divide to produce new keratinocytes.
2. Which of the following cells act as macrophages to activate the immune system in the skin?
A. Merkel cells
B. Keratinocytes
C. Melanocytes
,D. Langerhans cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Langerhans cells, also known as dendritic cells, arise from bone
marrow and migrate to the epidermis to ingest foreign substances and activate the immune
system.
3. The presence of which layer distinguishes ‘thick skin’ found on the palms and soles from
‘thin skin’ found elsewhere?
A. Stratum Spinosum
B. Stratum Lucidum
C. Stratum Corneum
D. Stratum Granulosum
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Stratum Lucidum is a thin, transparent band of flat, dead
keratinocytes found only in thick skin.
4. Which protein provides the epidermis with its protective, water-resistant properties?
A. Collagen
B. Keratin
C. Elastin
D. Melanin
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Keratin is a fibrous protein that gives the epidermis its
durability and waterproof characteristics.
5. Which layer of the dermis consists primarily of areolar connective tissue and contains
dermal papillae?
A. Reticular layer
B. Hypodermis
C. Stratum Corneum
D. Papillary layer
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The papillary layer is the upper 20% of the dermis, composed of
areolar connective tissue with fine collagen and elastic fibers.
6. What is the primary function of the melanocytes?
A. To provide structural support to the skin
B. To secrete sebum for skin lubrication
C. To sense deep pressure and vibration
D. To produce a pigment that protects nuclei from UV radiation
Answer: D
THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM | 50
QUESTIONS | PORTAGE LEARNING
1. Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for the constant production of new
keratinocytes through active mitosis?
A. Stratum Corneum
B. Stratum Basale
C. Stratum Lucidum
D. Stratum Granulosum
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Stratum Basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis and
contains stem cells that divide to produce new keratinocytes.
2. Which of the following cells act as macrophages to activate the immune system in the skin?
A. Merkel cells
B. Keratinocytes
C. Melanocytes
,D. Langerhans cells
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Langerhans cells, also known as dendritic cells, arise from bone
marrow and migrate to the epidermis to ingest foreign substances and activate the immune
system.
3. The presence of which layer distinguishes ‘thick skin’ found on the palms and soles from
‘thin skin’ found elsewhere?
A. Stratum Spinosum
B. Stratum Lucidum
C. Stratum Corneum
D. Stratum Granulosum
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Stratum Lucidum is a thin, transparent band of flat, dead
keratinocytes found only in thick skin.
4. Which protein provides the epidermis with its protective, water-resistant properties?
A. Collagen
B. Keratin
C. Elastin
D. Melanin
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Keratin is a fibrous protein that gives the epidermis its
durability and waterproof characteristics.
5. Which layer of the dermis consists primarily of areolar connective tissue and contains
dermal papillae?
A. Reticular layer
B. Hypodermis
C. Stratum Corneum
D. Papillary layer
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The papillary layer is the upper 20% of the dermis, composed of
areolar connective tissue with fine collagen and elastic fibers.
6. What is the primary function of the melanocytes?
A. To provide structural support to the skin
B. To secrete sebum for skin lubrication
C. To sense deep pressure and vibration
D. To produce a pigment that protects nuclei from UV radiation
Answer: D
