Integumentary System 2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which of the following is the primary tissue type found in the epidermis?
A. Stratified squamous epithelium
B. Simple columnar epithelium
C. Areolar connective tissue
D. Dense irregular connective tissue
Answer: A
Rationale: The epidermis is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium,
which provides a protective, waterproof barrier.
2. Which layer of the epidermis is only present in thick skin, such as the palms
and soles?
A. Stratum basale
B. Stratum spinosum
C. Stratum corneum
D. Stratum lucidum
Answer: D
Rationale: Stratum lucidum is a thin, transparent layer found specifically in thick skin
between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum.
,3. What is the deepest layer of the epidermis where rapid cell division occurs?
A. Stratum granulosum
B. Stratum basale
C. Stratum corneum
D. Stratum spinosum
Answer: B
Rationale: The stratum basale is the deepest epidermal layer and consists of a single row
of stem cells that actively divide to produce new keratinocytes.
4. Which cell type in the epidermis is responsible for producing the pigment that
protects against UV radiation?
A. Keratinocytes
B. Merkel cells
C. Langerhans cells
D. Melanocytes
Answer: D
Rationale: Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that shields the nucleus of
keratinocytes from damaging ultraviolet radiation.
5. The ‘prickly’ appearance of cells in the stratum spinosum is due to the
presence of:
A. Keratohyalin granules
B. Lamellar granules
C. Desmosomes
D. Tight junctions
Answer: C
Rationale: During tissue preparation, cells in the stratum spinosum shrink but remain
attached at desmosomes, giving them a spiny or prickly appearance.
, 6. Which layer of the dermis contains the capillary loops and Meissner’s
corpuscles?
A. Reticular layer
B. Papillary layer
C. Hypodermis
D. Subcutaneous layer
Answer: B
Rationale: The papillary layer is the upper layer of the dermis, characterized by dermal
papillae containing capillaries and touch receptors.
7. The majority of the dermis is composed of which tissue type?
A. Dense regular connective tissue
B. Adipose tissue
C. Dense irregular connective tissue
D. Elastic connective tissue
Answer: C
Rationale: The reticular layer makes up about 80% of the dermis and consists primarily of
dense irregular connective tissue.
8. Which skin pigment is derived from yellow-orange vegetables and
accumulates in the stratum corneum?
A. Carotene
B. Hemoglobin
C. Melanin
D. Bilirubin
Answer: A
Rationale: Carotene is a yellow to orange pigment found in certain plant products that can
accumulate in the stratum corneum and hypodermis.