CMP Anatomy of Skin & Hair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which skin layer contains the Langerhans cells responsible for immune defense?
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum spinosum (Correct answer)
- Stratum basale
Correct answer: Stratum spinosum
Langerhans cells are dendritic immune cells found primarily in the stratum spinosum of the epidermis.
Question 2: The arrector pili muscle is attached to which part of the hair follicle?
- Hair bulb
- Inner root sheath
- Outer root sheath (Correct answer)
- Hair papilla
Correct answer: Outer root sheath
The arrector pili muscle inserts into the outer root sheath of the hair follicle, causing goosebumps when it contracts.
Question 3: Which type of sweat gland is associated with hair follicles and produces a thicker, protein-rich secretion?
- Eccrine glands
- Merocrine glands
- Apocrine glands (Correct answer)
- Holocrine glands
Correct answer: Apocrine glands
Apocrine glands are associated with hair follicles and secrete a thick fluid that bacteria break down to produce body odor.
Question 4: What is the name of the protein that makes up the majority of the hair shaft?
- Elastin
- Collagen
- Keratin (Correct answer)
- Melanin
Correct answer: Keratin
Hair shafts are composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous structural protein arranged in alpha-helical chains.
Question 5: The dermal papillae interlock with which epidermal structure to strengthen the skin junction?
- Stratum corneum ridges
- Epidermal rete ridges (Correct answer)
- Merkel discs
- Pacinian corpuscles
Correct answer: Epidermal rete ridges
Dermal papillae interdigitate with epidermal rete ridges, creating a wavy junction that resists shearing forces.
Question 6: Which phase of the hair growth cycle is characterized by the cessation of active growth and follicle shrinkage?
- Anagen
- Catagen (Correct answer)
- Telogen
- Exogen
Correct answer: Catagen
The catagen phase is a transitional period lasting 2–3 weeks during which hair follicles shrink and growth stops.
Question 7: Meissner's corpuscles, concentrated in the fingertips and lips, detect which type of sensation?
- Deep pressure and vibration
- Pain and temperature
- Light touch and texture (Correct answer)
- Proprioception
Correct answer: Light touch and texture
Meissner's corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors in dermal papillae that detect fine/light touch and texture.
CMP Anatomy of Skin & Hair 2
Which skin layer contains the Langerhans cells responsible for immune defense?