Skin Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Skin Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
The 'acid mantle' of the skin is formed by secretions from which structures?
Answer: Eccrine and apocrine glands combined with sebaceous secretions
The acid mantle is a thin protective film formed by a mixture of sebum (sebaceous glands) and sweat (eccrine/apocrine glands) that creates the slightly acidic skin pH.
Keloid scars differ from hypertrophic scars in that keloids:
Answer: Extend beyond the original wound margins into surrounding tissue
Keloids grow beyond the original wound boundaries due to excessive collagen deposition, unlike hypertrophic scars which stay within the wound margins.
Which cell type in the dermis is responsible for releasing histamine during allergic skin reactions?
Answer: Mast cell
Mast cells in the dermis contain histamine-filled granules that are released upon IgE receptor activation, causing vasodilation, itching, and flare reactions.
What is the primary function of ceramides in the stratum corneum?
Answer: Forming intercellular lipid lamellae that prevent water loss
Ceramides are the dominant lipids in the stratum corneum's lamellar structure, forming bilayers that create a waterproof barrier and limit transepidermal water loss.
During a laser treatment consultation, a patient with Fitzpatrick Type VI skin is at highest risk for which laser-related complication?
Answer: Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation
Fitzpatrick Type VI skin has abundant melanin that competes with the target chromophore, making both hypopigmentation (from melanocyte destruction) and hyperpigmentation (PIH) significant risks.
Desquamation (skin shedding) of the stratum corneum is mediated by which process?
Answer: Enzymatic degradation of corneodesmosomes by serine proteases
Desquamation occurs when serine proteases (kallikreins) break down corneodesmosomes, the protein structures connecting corneocytes, allowing orderly shedding.
The 'rule of nines' is relevant to laser technicians primarily when:
Answer: Estimating the body surface area involved in a burn or treatment zone
The rule of nines divides the body into regions of 9% each (or multiples) to estimate total body surface area affected by burns or laser treatments for dosing and safety planning.