Melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment, are located mainly in which layer?
- The horny layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum)
- The clear layer of the epidermis (stratum lucidum)
- The fatty layer beneath the dermis (subcutaneous tissue)
- The basal layer of the epidermis (stratum germinativum)
Show the answer
D. The basal layer of the epidermis (stratum germinativum)
Melanocytes sit in the deepest layer of the epidermis, the stratum germinativum, and pass melanin to the surrounding cells. The stratum corneum at the surface is made of dead, flattened cells and produces nothing.
Reference: Barbering theory: skin histology and disorders (epidermis)
The stratum lucidum, the clear layer of the epidermis, is found mainly in which areas?
- The scalp and the bearded areas of the face
- The eyelids and the skin behind the ears
- The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
- The forehead, the nose and the chin
Show the answer
C. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
The clear layer is present in the thick skin of the palms and soles, where it lies under the stratum corneum. The eyelids have the thinnest skin on the body.
Reference: Barbering theory: skin histology and disorders (epidermis)
What are the two layers of the dermis?
- Papillary and reticular
- Basal and granular
- Horny and clear
- Adipose and spiny
Show the answer
A. Papillary and reticular
The dermis consists of the papillary layer directly beneath the epidermis and the deeper reticular layer, which contains most of the glands, follicles and fibers. Basal, granular, horny, clear and spiny are layers of the epidermis.
Reference: Barbering theory: skin histology and disorders (dermis)