Anatomy of Skin and Hair Practice Test
What is the largest organ of the body?
a) Liver
b) Heart
c) Skin
d) Lungs
What are the main layers of skin?
a) Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous
b) Epidermis, Dermis, Muscle
c) Dermis, Fat, Muscle
d) Epidermis, Fat, Bone
The outermost layer of the epidermis is called:
a) Stratum Germinativum
b) Stratum Lucidum
c) Stratum Corneum
d) Stratum Granulosum
Which layer of the skin contains live cells and is responsible for cell division?
a) Stratum Corneum
b) Stratum Granulosum
c) Stratum Spinosum
d) Stratum Basale
What pigment gives skin its color?
a) Carotene
b) Hemoglobin
c) Melanin
d) Chlorophyll
The dermis is primarily composed of:
a) Epithelial tissue
b) Connective tissue
c) Muscle tissue
d) Nervous tissue
Which layer of skin is responsible for thermoregulation?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) Hypodermis
What type of hair is predominantly found on the body before puberty?
a) Terminal hair
b) Vellus hair
c) Lanugo
d) All of the above
Which cells in the epidermis protect against UV radiation?
a) Keratinocytes
b) Melanocytes
c) Langerhans cells
d) Adipocytes
The main function of sebaceous glands is to:
a) Sweat production
b) Lubricate skin and hair
c) Produce melanin
d) Form hair follicles
The hair follicles are primarily found in which layer of the skin?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) All layers
What type of sweat gland is primarily involved in temperature regulation?
a) Apocrine
b) Eccrine
c) Sebaceous
d) Holocrine
Which of the following is a characteristic of the stratum lucidum?
a) Found only on thick skin
b) Contains living cells
c) Thickest on eyelids
d) Darkly pigmented
What is responsible for the 'goosebumps' effect?
a) Sebum
b) Hair follicles
c) Arrector pili muscle
d) Sweat
The main component of the hair shaft is:
a) Keratin
b) Collagen
c) Elastin
d) Melanin
Which layer provides cushioning against injury?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) Stratum Granulosum
Hirsutism is defined as:
a) Excessive hair growth in women
b) Absence of hair
c) Inflammation of hair follicles
d) Normal hair growth
The process of shedding dead skin cells is known as:
a) Excretion
b) Desquamation
c) Secretion
d) Absorption
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?
a) Protection
b) Absorption
c) Respiration
d) Sensation
What determines the color of hair?
a) Melanin in the cortex
b) Sebum in the follicle
c) Blood flow in the dermis
d) Piloerector muscle
How long does it typically take for the epidermal tissue to be replaced?
a) 14 days
b) 28 days
c) 42 days
d) 56 days
What is the primary role of Langerhans cells?
a) Produce melanin
b) Maintain skin hydration
c) Provide immune response
d) Sense touch
Which type of hair develops during puberty?
a) Vellus hair
b) Terminal hair
c) Lanugo
d) None of the above
The hypodermis is also known as:
a) Epidermis
b) Adipose layer
c) Dermis
d) Basal layer
Which type of sweat gland is associated with body odor?
a) Eccrine
b) Apocrine
c) Sebaceous
d) Merocrine
The dermal papillae play a significant role in:
a) Sensation
b) Blood circulation
c) Hair growth
d) All of the above
The acid mantle of the skin is made up of:
a) Lipids and sebum
b) Sweat and oils
c) Melanin
d) Both a and b
Which microscope is suitable for viewing skin layers?
a) Light microscope
b) Scanning electron microscope
c) Transmission electron microscope
d) Fluorescent microscope
The phase of hair growth that lasts for the shortest duration is:
a) Anagen
b) Catagen
c) Telogen
d) all phases last the same
What forms the base of the hair bulb?
a) Arrector pili
b) Papillae
c) Stratum lucidum
d) Follicular canal
Melanocytes are primarily located in which layer?
a) Stratum corneum
b) Stratum granulosum
c) Stratum basale
d) Dermis
Which of the following best describes apocrine glands?
a) Present in high numbers everywhere
b) Open into hair follicles
c) Secretes a thin, clear fluid
d) Prevents skin drying
What layer of skin is absent on the eyelids?
a) Stratum corneum
b) Stratum lucidum
c) Stratum granulosum
d) Stratum spinosum
What is the primary function of adipose tissue in the hypodermis?
a) Allow skin to breathe
b) Insulate the body
c) Produce hormones
d) Protect against UV light
Which skin condition is caused by a virus?
a) Acne
b) Herpes
c) Psoriasis
d) Eczema
What is the main ingredient in hair?
a) Soft keratin
b) Hard keratin
c) Collagen
d) Elastin
Which skin cell type is primarily responsible for moisture retention?
a) Keratinocytes
b) Fibroblasts
c) Adipocytes
d) Melanocytes
Sebum is used to:
a) Dry the skin
b) Lubricate the skin
c) Produce sweat
d) Block UV rays
Which condition is characterized by excessive pigmentation?
a) Albinism
b) Melasma
c) Vitiligo
d) Eczema
What is the cycle through which hair grows called?
a) Follicle cycle
b) Hair cycle
c) Anagen cycle
d) Hair growth cycle
What is the primary purpose of the dermis?
a) Sensation
b) Protection
c) Hair growth
d) Temperature regulation
What connects the epidermis and dermis?
a) Follicular canal
b) Basement membrane zone (BMZ)
c) Collagen fibers
d) Sebaceous glands
Which hair type is fine and light-colored?
a) Terminal hair
b) Vellus hair
c) Lanugo
d) All of the above
The thickest skin on the body is found on:
a) Palms of hands
b) Eyelids
c) Back of the neck
d) Underarms
The function of the stratum corneum is to:
a) Absorb nutrients
b) Protect against water loss
c) Regulate temperature
d) Provide blood supply
What type of hair is typically hormonally influenced?
a) Vellus hair
b) Terminal hair
c) Lanugo
d) All hair
Which type of hair is known as 'peach fuzz'?
a) Terminal hair
b) Lanugo
c) Vellus hair
d) All of the above
Which gland is NOT part of the pilosebaceous unit?
a) Sebaceous glands
b) Hair follicles
c) Sudoriferous glands
d) Adipocytes
Skin cancer can develop from which layer?
a) Dermis
b) Subcutaneous
c) Epidermis
d) All layers
Which layer is predominantly made of elastic fibers?
a) Papillary layer
b) Reticular layer
c) Epidermis
d) Air layer
The thinning of hair is known as:
a) Alopecia
b) Hirsutism
c) Hypertrichosis
d) Seborrhea
Which of the following isn’t a characteristic of eccrine glands?
a) They regulate body temperature
b) They are found everywhere on the body
c) They produce thick, yellowish fluid
d) They help with moisture
The basic structure of hair includes:
a) Cuticle, cortex, medulla
b) Dermis, epidermis, subcutis
c) Papilla, shaft, root
d) None of the above
The primary component of the hair cuticle is:
a) Soft keratin
b) Hard keratin
c) Collagen
d) Melanin
Skin disorders may begin as small bumps or irritated patches typically associated with:
a) Bacteria
b) Viruses
c) Fungus
d) All of the above
How does the skin help in Vitamin D synthesis?
a) Absorbing sunlight
b) Producing melanin
c) Regulating skin pH
d) Protecting from UV rays
Hypertrichosis is characterized by:
a) Increased hair growth
b) Hair loss
c) Irregular hair patterns
d) Puberty-related hair changes
The bulge region of hair follicles is associated with:
a) Stem cell activity
b) Melanocyte activity
c) Dermal papilla growth
d) Sebaceous secretion
In which hair phase does hair shed?
a) Anagen
b) Catagen
c) Telogen
d) All phases
What is the term for the loss of hair growth capability?
a) Alopecia
b) Hypertrichosis
c) Hirsutism
d) None of the above
Eccrine glands are most active:
a) During cold weather
b) Under stress
c) When the body is hot
d) While sleeping
Most of the body's cutaneous sensory receptors are found in which layer?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) Stratum lucidum
Which phase is also referred to as the involution phase?
a) Anagen
b) Catagen
c) Telogen
d) Follicular
What is the primary role of the arrector pili muscle?
a) Lubricate hair
b) Control skin temperature
c) Cause hair to stand up
d) Promote hair growth
The acid mantle of the skin is primarily due to:
a) Sweat and sebum
b) Melanin production
c) Blood flow
d) Keratin
What skin layer is critical for holding blood vessels?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subdermal
d) Subcutaneous
Melanocytes are predominantly located in:
a) Stratum corneum
b) Stratum germinativum
c) Dermis
d) Hypodermis
What type of hair is typically found on the scalp?
a) Lanugo
b) Terminal hair
c) Vellus hair
d) All of the above
Which skin function protects against pathogens?
a) Absorption
b) Protection
c) Secretion
d) Thermoregulation
What is the role of the dermal papilla?
a) Producing sebum
b) Nourishing hair follicles
c) Acting as a barrier
d) Sensation
The process of keratinization is primarily observed in which skin layer?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Reticular layer
d) Papillary layer
What type of glands are sebaceous glands?
a) Eccrine
b) Apocrine
c) Holocrine
d) Exocrine
What does the hair matrix produce?
a) Skin
b) Nails
c) Hair
d) Sebum
The specifics of hair texture are primarily determined by:
a) Genetics
b) Health
c) Environmental factors
d) All of the above
The skin's ability to regulate temperature is achieved through:
a) Blood flow
b) Sweat production
c) Both a and b
d) None of the above
Cellular activity in the bulge region of hair follicles is crucial for:
a) Inducing telogen phase
b) Hair regeneration
c) Producing oils
d) Skin healing
Which of the following substances prevents the skin from drying out?
a) Water
b) Sebum
c) Keratin
d) Sweat
The main function of the papillary layer is to:
a) Protect UV radiation
b) Provide strength
c) Nourish the epidermis
d) Store fat
Excessive hair growth in women is known as:
a) Hypertrichosis
b) Hirsutism
c) Alopecia
d) Epidermis
The primary reason for hair to change color is:
a) Lack of nutrients
b) Aging process
c) Hormonal changes
d) All of the above
Skin's protective barrier is mainly maintained by:
a) Melanin
b) Keratin
c) Both a and b
d) Adipose tissue
Which layer of skin is primarily avascular (lacks blood vessels)?
a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) Both b and c
Which hair phase is considered the resting phase?
a) Telogen
b) Anagen
c) Catagen
d) Growing phase
The primary role of keratin in the skin is to:
a) Provide strength
b) Help with sensation
c) Control moisture
d) Maintain blood flow
Sebaceous glands are primarily found in association with:
a) Sweat glands
b) Hair follicles
c) Adipocytes
d) All the above
Which hair type is mostly affected by hormonal changes?
a) Vellus
b) Terminal
c) Lanugo
d) All types
The majority of skin cancers arise from the:
a) Dermis
b) Subcutaneous layer
c) Epidermis
d) Hypodermis
Hair is said to be a derivative of which layer of skin?
a) Dermis
b) Epidermis
c) Subcutaneous layer
d) All layers
The term for skin inflammation is:
a) Dermatitis
b) Eczema
c) Psoriasis
d) Fungal infection
In terms of hair growth, which phase is when the follicle remains active?
a) Anagen
b) Catagen
c) Telogen
d) Resting
Excessive oil production in the skin can lead to:
a) Dry skin
b) Oily skin
c) Eczema
d) All of the above
Which structure performs a significant role in temperature regulation?
a) Sweat glands
b) Sebaceous glands
c) Dermis
d) Epidermis
What determines whether hair is straight, wavy, or curly?
a) Hair color
b) Hair texture
c) Follicle shape
d) Hair length
Skin cancer should be monitored especially when moles appear:
a) Black and large
b) Unchanged
c) Brown and small
d) Lighter than skin
What is the role of the reticular layer of the dermis?
a) Provides nutrients
b) Offers strength and elasticity
c) Contains sweat glands
d) All of the above
The impact of hormones primarily associates with:
a) Skin elasticity
b) Hair growth and texture
c) Immune functions
d) None of the above
A decrease in vellus hair usually happens:
a) Due to aging
b) Post-puberty
c) After menopause
d) All of the above
Which condition can occur due to reduced blood circulation?
a) Acne
b) Psoriasis
c) Dermatitis
d) Folliculitis
The phase of the hair cycle known for the most active hair growth is:
a) Anagen
b) Telogen
c) Catagen
d) Quiescent
The primary component responsible for skin hydration is:
a) Water
b) Lipids
c) Collagen
d) Keratin
Answer Guide with Explanations
c) Skin The skin is the largest organ of the body, covering an area of about 20 square feet.
a) Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous These are the three main layers of skin.
c) Stratum Corneum This is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead skin cells.
d) Stratum Basale This is the deepest layer where live cells and cell division occurs.
c) Melanin Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocytes that gives skin its color.
b) Connective tissue The dermis is primarily made of dense connective tissue, providing strength and elasticity.
b) Dermis The dermis contains sweat glands and blood vessels that help regulate body temperature.
b) Vellus hair Vellus hair is fine hair that covers much of the human body before puberty.
b) Melanocytes Melanocytes in the epidermis produce melanin, which protects against UV radiation.
b) Lubricate skin and hair Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair.
b) Dermis Hair follicles are embedded in the dermal layer of skin.
b) Eccrine Eccrine sweat glands are responsible for regulating body temperature through sweat.
a) Found only on thick skin The stratum lucidum is a clear layer found on the palms and soles, not present on thin skin.
c) Arrector pili muscle This muscle contracts in response to cold or fear, causing hair to stand upright and producing 'goosebumps.'
a) Keratin The hair shaft is mainly composed of hard keratin, a fibrous protein.
c) Subcutaneous layer This layer contains fat that acts as cushioning and insulation for the body.
a) Excessive hair growth in women Hirsutism is characterized by thick, dark hair growth in areas typical for males.
b) Desquamation The shedding of dead skin cells is termed desquamation.
c) Digestion The skin protects against external factors, absorbs specific substances, but does not aid in digestion.
c) Melanin in the cortex The color of hair is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin present in the cortex.
b) 28 days Typically, it takes about 28 days for the epidermis to completely renew itself.
c) Provide immune response Langerhans cells are immune cells in the skin that help recognize and fight infections.
b) Terminal hair Terminal hair begins to develop during puberty under the influence of androgens.
b) Adipose layer The hypodermis is also known as the adipose layer due to its fat content.
b) Apocrine Apocrine glands secrete a thicker fluid that can lead to body odor when mixed with bacteria.
d) All of the above Dermal papillae are involved in sensation, maintaining blood supply, and supporting hair growth.
d) Both a and b The acid mantle consists of sweat and sebum, which help protect the skin from bacteria.
a) Light microscope Light microscopes are commonly used to observe cellular structures in skin layers.
b) Catagen Catagen is the transitional phase that lasts for a short duration (days to weeks).
b) Papillae The base of the hair bulb is formed by the dermal papillae, which nourish the hair.
c) Stratum basale Melanocytes are primarily found in the stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis.
b) Open into hair follicles Apocrine glands open into hair follicles, while eccrine glands open directly to the skin surface.
b) Stratum lucidum The stratum lucidum is absent in thin skin like on the eyelids.
b) Insulate the body Adipose tissue in the hypodermis helps insulate and protect the body.
b) Herpes Herpes is caused by a virus, leading to blisters and sores.
b) Hard keratin Hair is made of hard keratin, which provides strength.
a) Keratinocytes Keratinocytes are responsible for moisture retention in the skin.
b) Lubricate the skin Sebum helps keep the skin and hair lubricated, preventing dryness.
b) Melasma Melasma involves excess pigmentation associated commonly with hormonal changes.
d) Hair growth cycle The hair growth cycle consists of anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.
b) Protection The dermis provides structure and strength to the skin, including protections against physical forces.
b) Basement membrane zone The basement membrane connects the epidermis and dermis, providing structural support.
b) Vellus hair Vellus hair is fine and light-colored, often referred to as “peach fuzz.”
a) Palms of hands The thickest skin is found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
b) Protect against water loss The stratum corneum acts as a barrier to prevent water loss from the body.
b) Terminal hair Terminal hair is significantly affected by androgens and hormonal changes.
c) Vellus hair Vellus hair is often described as soft, light, and barely noticeable hair on the body.
d) Adipocytes Adipocytes are fat cells and are not part of the pilosebaceous unit, which consists of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sometimes sweat glands.
c) Epidermis Many skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, arise from epidermal cells.
b) Reticular layer The reticular layer is comprised of dense connective tissue, which provides elasticity and strength to the skin.
a) Alopecia Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss.
c) They produce thick, yellowish fluid Eccrine glands secrete a thin, clear fluid, not thick or yellowish; that characteristic pertains to apocrine glands.
a) Cuticle, cortex, medulla These are the three basic layers of hair.
b) Hard keratin The cuticle is primarily made of hard keratin, which protects the inner layers of the hair.
d) All of the above Skin disorders can stem from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
a) Absorbing sunlight The skin synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
a) Increased hair growth Hypertrichosis refers to abnormal hair growth, while hirsutism specifically refers to excess male-pattern hair growth in women.
a) Stem cell activity The bulge region of hair follicles contains stem cells that can regenerate hair.
c) Telogen Hair sheds during the telogen phase, which is the resting phase before new growth.
a) Alopecia Alopecia refers to the loss of hair growth capability or balding.
c) When the body is hot Eccrine glands are most active to help cool the body down through perspiration.
b) Dermis Most sensory receptors are located in the dermis, including touch and pressure receptors.
b) Catagen The catagen phase is the transitional phase during which hair stops growing and prepares for shedding.
c) Cause hair to stand up The arrector pili muscle contracts, making hair stand up (goosebumps). It assists in temperature regulation.
d) Sweat and sebum The acid mantle forms from the combination of sweat (a weak acid) and sebum (from sebaceous glands).
b) DermisThe dermis contains blood vessels that supply nutrients to the skin.
b) Stratum germinativum Melanocytes, which produce melanin, are primarily located in the basal layer of the epidermis.
b) Terminal hair Terminal hair, which is thick and pigmented, covers the scalp and is typically found on other areas influenced by hormones.
b) Protection Skin protects against pathogens by acting as a barrier and utilizing immune cells within the dermis and epidermis.
b) Nourishing hair follicles The dermal papilla provides blood supply, essential for hair growth and nourishment.
a) Epidermis Keratinization occurs primarily in the epidermis, particularly in the stratum corneum.
d) Exocrine Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands, which release their secretions onto the surface of the skin through ducts.
c) Hair The hair matrix consists of rapidly dividing cells that produce hair.
a) Genetics Hair texture is largely determined by genetic factors, as well as hormonal influences and environmental factors.
c) Both a and b The skin regulates temperature through blood flow and sweat production, maintaining homeostasis.
b) Hair regeneration Cellular activity in the bulge region is important for the regeneration of hair follicles during hair cycling.
b) Sebum Sebum prevents the skin from drying out by providing lubrication and moisture retention.
c) Nourish the epidermis The papillary layer of the dermis provides nutrients to the epidermis through capillaries.
b) Hirsutism Hirsutism is characterized by excessive hair growth in areas typical for males, like the face and chest.
b) Aging process Changes in hair color, including graying, are commonly associated with aging and hormonal changes.
c) Both a and b The skin's protective barrier is maintained by keratin (providing strength) and melanin (protecting from UV radiation).
a) Epidermis The epidermis is primarily avascular; it does not contain blood vessels, relying on the dermis for nutrients.
a) Telogen Telogen is the resting phase in which the hair follicle is inactive, before hair shedding starts.
a) Provide strength Keratin's primary role in skin and hair is to provide structural strength and integrity.
b) Hair follicles Sebaceous glands are closely associated with hair follicles, where they secrete sebum.
b) Terminal Terminal hair is the type most influenced by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and other life stages.
c) Epidermis Most skin cancers arise from cells in the epidermis, particularly from the basal or squamous cells.
b) Epidermis Hair is a derivative of the epidermis, growing from hair follicles that are extensions of this layer.
a) Dermatitis Dermatitis refers to any inflammation of the skin, which can result from multiple causes, including irritants or allergens.
a) Anagen Anagen is the active growth phase during which hair follicles actively produce hair.
b) Oily skin Excessive oil production commonly leads to oily skin, which can contribute to acne and other skin issues.
a) Sweat glands Sweat glands, particularly eccrine glands, play a significant role in temperature regulation through sweat production.
c) Follicle shape The shape of the hair follicle determines whether the hair is straight (round), wavy (oval), or curly (flat).
a) Black and large Moles that are black, large, asymmetrical, or change in size or color should be monitored as potential indicators of skin cancer.
b) Offers strength and elasticity The reticular layer of the dermis contains dense connective tissue that provides strength and elasticity to the skin.
b) Hair growth and texture Hormonal changes can significantly affect hair growth rates and textures, particularly during puberty or menopause.
d) All of the above A decrease in vellus hair is common due to aging, post-puberty changes, or after menopause.
c) Dermatitis Reduced blood circulation can lead to various skin conditions, including dermatitis due to poor nutrient delivery.
a) Anagen The anagen phase is known for the most active hair growth, during which the hair follicle is firmly attached.
a) Water Water is the primary component responsible for skin hydration; maintaining skin moisture is crucial for health.