CPS Anatomy of Skin & Hair 4

Question 1

What causes the coat color pattern in a dog with a banded or agouti hair shaft?

Accepted Answer

Alternating zones of eumelanin and phaeomelanin within each hair

Answer

Agouti banding occurs when each individual hair shaft contains alternating segments of dark eumelanin and yellow/red phaeomelanin, creating a wild-type ticked appearance.

Question 2

Which layer of the hair cuticle arrangement do shampoo products most directly affect during bathing?

Accepted Answer

The cuticle scales

Answer

Shampoos and conditioners interact with the overlapping cuticle scales; alkaline products lift scales while acidic conditioners smooth and flatten them, affecting shine and manageability.

Question 3

A dog presenting with symmetrical hair loss over the flanks and trunk but no itching most likely has a disorder affecting which phase of the hair cycle?

Accepted Answer

Telogen (resting phase)

Answer

Hormonal or endocrine conditions often arrest follicles in telogen, causing diffuse, non-pruritic alopecia that is bilaterally symmetrical.

Question 4

Seborrhea sicca in dogs is characterized by which skin presentation?

Accepted Answer

Dry, flaky skin with excessive scaling and dandruff

Answer

Seborrhea sicca ('dry seborrhea') presents with dry, scaly skin resulting from abnormal keratinization and insufficient sebum production.

Question 5

What is the role of Langerhans cells found in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

Act as immune surveillance cells that detect skin antigens

Answer

Langerhans cells are dendritic immune cells in the epidermis that capture antigens, migrate to lymph nodes, and initiate immune responses, including allergic reactions.

(CPS) Certified Pet Stylist Practice Test

(CPS) Certified Pet Stylist Practice Test

CPS Anatomy of Skin & Hair 4