CHS Anatomy of Skin & Hair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the skin contains the papillary and reticular layers?
- Epidermis
- Dermis (Correct answer)
- Hypodermis
- Stratum corneum
Correct answer: Dermis
The dermis is divided into the papillary layer (upper) and reticular layer (lower), which provide skin structure and elasticity.
Question 2: What is the name of the protein that makes up the majority of the hair fiber?
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Keratin (Correct answer)
- Melanin
Correct answer: Keratin
Hair is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous structural protein also found in nails and the outer layer of skin.
Question 3: The sebaceous gland secretes sebum into which structure?
- Sweat duct
- Hair follicle (Correct answer)
- Lymph capillary
- Blood vessel
Correct answer: Hair follicle
Sebaceous glands empty their sebum directly into the hair follicle, lubricating both the hair shaft and the surrounding skin.
Question 4: Which phase of the hair growth cycle is characterized by active cell division in the hair bulb?
- Catagen
- Telogen
- Anagen (Correct answer)
- Exogen
Correct answer: Anagen
During the anagen phase, matrix cells in the hair bulb divide rapidly, producing new hair growth that can last 2–7 years.
Question 5: What term describes the natural pigment responsible for hair and skin color?
- Keratin
- Melanin (Correct answer)
- Sebum
- Collagen
Correct answer: Melanin
Melanin, produced by melanocytes in the hair bulb and skin, determines the color of hair and skin through two types: eumelanin (dark) and pheomelanin (red/yellow).
Question 6: The arrector pili muscle is attached to which part of the hair follicle?
- Dermal papilla
- Hair bulb
- Follicle wall in the dermis (Correct answer)
- Hair medulla
Correct answer: Follicle wall in the dermis
The arrector pili is a tiny smooth muscle attached to the follicle wall within the dermis; its contraction causes the hair to stand erect, producing goosebumps.
Question 7: Which skin receptor is primarily responsible for sensing light touch and texture?
- Pacinian corpuscle
- Meissner's corpuscle (Correct answer)
- Ruffini ending
- Free nerve ending
Correct answer: Meissner's corpuscle
Meissner's corpuscles, located in the dermal papillae, are sensitive to light touch and fine texture discrimination.
CHS Anatomy of Skin & Hair 2
Which layer of the skin contains the papillary and reticular layers?