Anatomy of Skin & Hair Flashcards

Which layer of the skin contains blood vessels and nerve endings that provide sensation and nourishment?

Answer: Dermis

The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands, making it the primary structural layer of the skin.

What is the term for the angle at which a hair follicle is positioned relative to the skin surface?

Answer: Follicle angle

Follicle angle determines the natural direction of hair growth and coat lay, which is critical knowledge for groomers when clipping with or against the grain.

The arrector pili muscle is responsible for which phenomenon in dogs?

Answer: Raising the hackles along the spine

Contraction of the arrector pili muscles causes the hair to stand erect—commonly seen as raised hackles—as a response to fear or excitement.

Which skin glands are most responsible for the characteristic odor associated with certain dog breeds?

Answer: Apocrine sweat glands

Apocrine sweat glands in dogs secrete proteins and lipids that bacteria break down, producing body odor and contributing to coat scent.

The medulla is a component found in which part of the hair structure?

Answer: The hair shaft

The medulla is the innermost region of the hair shaft, surrounded by the cortex and cuticle, and may be absent in fine or secondary hairs.

What distinguishes primary (guard) hairs from secondary (undercoat) hairs in a double-coated dog?

Answer: Primary hairs are coarser, longer, and emerge from individual follicles

Primary or guard hairs are thicker and longer, each growing from its own follicle, while secondary hairs are finer and often emerge in clusters from compound follicles.

A dog's paw pads contain which specialized type of sweat gland that is NOT found on most of the body?

Answer: Merocrine (eccrine) glands

Merocrine (eccrine) sweat glands are concentrated in the paw pads and are the primary means of sweat-based thermoregulation and scent marking in dogs.