Skin Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

During wound healing, which cells are primarily responsible for synthesizing new collagen in the dermis?

Answer: Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are the primary dermal cells that synthesize and remodel collagen during the proliferative phase of wound healing.

The hair follicle cycle consists of three phases. Which phase represents active hair growth?

Answer: Anagen

Anagen is the active growth phase of the hair follicle cycle, during which hair matrix cells proliferate and the hair shaft elongates.

Skin pH on the surface is typically slightly acidic, which helps to:

Answer: Inhibit pathogen colonization and maintain microbiome

The skin's acid mantle (pH 4.5–5.5) inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria while supporting a healthy commensal microbiome.

Which vitamin is synthesized in the skin following exposure to ultraviolet B radiation?

Answer: Vitamin D

UVB radiation converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to previtamin D3, which is then converted to Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

What is the name of the intercellular junctions that link adjacent keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum?

Answer: Desmosomes

Desmosomes are strong intercellular junctions composed of desmogleins and desmocollins that physically connect adjacent keratinocytes and provide structural integrity.

Apocrine sweat glands are primarily located in which body areas?

Answer: Axillae and groin

Apocrine glands are concentrated in the axillae, groin, and areolae, becoming active after puberty and producing a thicker secretion associated with body odor.

The primary cell type responsible for producing the extracellular matrix of the dermis is the:

Answer: Fibroblast

Fibroblasts synthesize the major components of the dermal extracellular matrix including collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans.