Skin Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which layer of the epidermis contains the stem cells responsible for continuous skin renewal?

Answer: Stratum basale

The stratum basale (basal layer) contains mitotically active stem cells that continuously divide to replenish the epidermis.

Meissner's corpuscles are sensory receptors primarily located in which skin region?

Answer: Dermal papillae of hairless skin

Meissner's corpuscles are encapsulated mechanoreceptors found in the dermal papillae of glabrous (hairless) skin, detecting light touch.

What type of collagen predominates in the reticular dermis and provides tensile strength to the skin?

Answer: Type I collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the reticular dermis and is responsible for the skin's tensile strength.

Which skin appendage is responsible for producing the oily substance that lubricates hair and skin?

Answer: Sebaceous gland

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily secretion that lubricates hair shafts and the skin surface.

The Langerhans cells found in the epidermis function primarily as:

Answer: Antigen-presenting immune cells

Langerhans cells are dendritic antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in the skin's immune surveillance.

Which process describes the movement of keratinocytes from the stratum basale to the skin surface?

Answer: Keratinization

Keratinization is the differentiation process by which keratinocytes migrate upward through epidermal layers, accumulating keratin as they travel.

Arrector pili muscles attach to hair follicles and are responsible for:

Answer: Producing goosebumps

Contraction of arrector pili smooth muscles causes hair to stand erect, producing goosebumps (cutis anserina) in response to cold or fear.