Anatomy of Skin & Hair Flashcards

Melanocytes in the hair follicle bulb transfer pigment to surrounding cells through structures called:

Answer: Melanosomes

Melanocytes package melanin into organelles called melanosomes, which are transferred to adjacent keratinocytes in the hair matrix to color the growing hair shaft.

A Yorkshire Terrier's coat changes from black-and-tan puppy coloring to a blue-and-gold adult coat due to:

Answer: Age-related reduction in eumelanin production by follicle melanocytes

As Yorkies mature, melanocytes in their follicles produce progressively less eumelanin, causing the black coat to fade to steel blue while tan areas become gold.

Which part of the nail (claw) is analogous to the germinal matrix of the hair follicle?

Answer: The coronary band (quick base)

The coronary band at the base of the claw contains the germinal matrix cells that divide to produce new claw tissue, analogous to the hair bulb matrix producing hair.

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) in dogs develop most rapidly when which skin barrier function is compromised?

Answer: Loss of stratum corneum integrity allowing bacterial proliferation

When the stratum corneum is disrupted by moisture, scratching, or matting, bacteria rapidly colonize the denuded skin surface, creating the self-traumatizing hot spot lesion.

What is the significance of the 'anagen-to-telogen ratio' in coat evaluation for a groomer?

Answer: It reflects the proportion of actively growing versus resting follicles, affecting coat density and shedding

A high anagen ratio means more follicles are actively growing, yielding a dense, fast-growing coat; a high telogen ratio indicates more resting follicles and heavier shedding periods.

Zinc-responsive dermatosis in Siberian Huskies primarily manifests as skin and coat problems because zinc is essential for:

Answer: Normal keratinization and epidermal barrier protein synthesis

Zinc is a cofactor for enzymes involved in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation; deficiency leads to hyperkeratosis, scale, hair loss, and poor coat quality.

When evaluating a pet's coat for signs of external parasite infestation, a groomer should pay particular attention to which skin anatomy location?

Answer: The hair follicle infundibulum (upper follicle opening) and skin folds

Many external parasites, including Demodex mites and follicular bacteria, inhabit the infundibulum (upper follicle canal) and prefer the warm, sheltered environment of skin folds.