The integumentary system

Question 1

What is an alternative name given to the subcutaneous layer?

Answer 1

Hypodermis

Question 2

Name the pigment secreted by specialised cells in the skin that is capable of absorbing ultraviolet light

Answer 2

Melanin

Question 3

What is keratin?

Answer 3

Keratin is a structural protein produced by keratinocytes, the primary cell type in the epidermis, it is essential for the skin’s strength, waterproofing, and protective barrier against stressors

Question 4

What is the role of melatonin in relation to skin?

Answer 4

It protects the skin from oxidative stress, UV radiation, and inflammation, regulates pigmentation, and supports wound healing processes

Question 5

What is the role of Carotene in relation to skin?

Answer 5

It supports skin health by contributing to coloration, antioxidant defence, UV protection, and Vitamin A synthesis

Question 6

What is the role of collagen in relation to skin?

Answer 6

It is a structural protein that forms a key component of the extracellular matrix in the skin, and is essential for skin structure, elasticity, hydration, and repair

Question 7

What are langerhans cells?

Answer 7

A specialised immune cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, they are crucial for detecting and responding to external threats e.g. pathogens / harmful substances

Question 8

What are merkel cells?

Answer 8

Specialised sensory cells found in the epidermis, they are involved in sensation of light touch and are particularly important for detecting textures, shapes, and edges

Question 9

What cells male up the stratum basale

Answer 9

This layer of epidermis is composed of a single row of cuboidal or columnar keratinocytes

Question 10

Where is stratum lucidum found?

Answer 10

In thick skin

Question 11

Which layer of the epidermis thickens as a result of constant exposure to friction, leading to the formation of a callus?

Answer 11

Stratum corneum

Question 12

What kind of tissue is the dermis mostly made up of?

Answer 12

Dense irregular connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibres

Question 13

What is the role of sweat glands in skin?

Answer 13

They are essential for thermoregulation, waste excretion, and skin protection

Question 14

What are the features of a keloid scar?

Answer 14

Overgrowth of fibrous tissue that forms at the site of a skin injury, extending beyond the original wound boundaries, it is caused by an excessive production of collagen during the healing process

Question 15

Describe the process of wound healing, more specifically haemostasis

Answer 15

• Surrounding blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow
• Platelets aggregate to form a temporary plug
• Coagulation cascade activates, producing fibrin, strengthening the clot
• Platelets release growth factors that stimulate following stages of wound healing

Question 16

What is hirsutism?

Answer 16

A condition characterised by excessive body hair caused by tumours in adrenal glands, testes or ovaries

Question 17

What is the outermost layer of the epidermis called?

Answer 17

Stratum corneum

Question 18

What is Bilirubin?

Answer 18

A yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of RBCs, more specifically the breakdown of haem, elevated levels of bilirubin lead to jaundice

Question 19

What is the name given to redness of the skin such as seen in patients with inflammation, infection or heat exposure?

Answer 19

Erythema

Question 20

Define the term pallor

Answer 20

Abnormal paleness or lightness of the skin caused by reduced blood flow, decreased oxygen levels, or decrease in RBC content

Question 21

Describe the appearance of eczema

Answer 21

Of the skin - patches of redness, blistering, and extreme itching

Question 22

Name, in order, the layers / strata of the epidermis from most superficial to deepest

Answer 22

Corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, basale

Question 23

What do sebaceous glands do?

Answer 23

They are found in the skin and produce sebum (an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin and hair)

Question 24

What causes acne?

Answer 24

Inflammation of sebaceous glands caused by bacteria which thrive in the lipid-rich sebum

Question 25

Name the main functions of skin

Answer 25

• Thermoregulation
• Blood reservoir
• Protection
• Detection and response to cutaneous sensations
• Excretion and absorption
• Vitamin D synthesis