Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Skin Histology and Disorders 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing the pigment melanin?
- Stratum spinosum
- Stratum granulosum
- Stratum basale (Correct answer)
- Stratum lucidum
Correct answer: Stratum basale
Melanocytes are found in the stratum basale (basal layer) and produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and provides protection against UV radiation.
Question 2: A client has small, flesh-colored or yellowish deposits around the eyelids that appear as soft, waxy plaques. Which condition does this describe?
- Milia
- Xanthelasma (Correct answer)
- Syringoma
- Rosacea
Correct answer: Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are yellowish, lipid-rich plaques that form under the skin around the eyelids and are often associated with elevated cholesterol levels.
Question 3: The dermis is primarily composed of which type of protein fiber that gives skin its strength and structure?
- Elastin
- Keratin
- Collagen (Correct answer)
- Fibronectin
Correct answer: Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the dermis, making up approximately 70–80% of the dry weight of the skin and providing tensile strength and structural support.
Question 4: Which skin condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, presenting with comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes nodules?
- Perioral dermatitis
- Acne vulgaris (Correct answer)
- Folliculitis
- Impetigo
Correct answer: Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris results from the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and sebum, leading to the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, and potentially nodules or cysts.
Question 5: What is the name of the cells found in the stratum spinosum that play a role in the immune defense of the skin?
- Merkel cells
- Langerhans cells (Correct answer)
- Melanocytes
- Fibroblasts
Correct answer: Langerhans cells
Langerhans cells are dendritic immune cells located primarily in the stratum spinosum that capture antigens and present them to T-lymphocytes, playing a key role in skin immunity.
Question 6: A client presents with a chronic skin condition featuring intense itching, dry scaly patches, and a history of asthma and hay fever. Which condition is most likely?
- Contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis (Correct answer)
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
Correct answer: Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory condition strongly associated with the atopic triad of asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and eczema, characterized by intense pruritus and dry, inflamed skin.
Esthetician Practice Exam Esthetician Practice Skin Histology and Disorders 1
Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for producing the pigment melanin?