Microscopy & Staining

Pre-Lecture Quiz

1) Which of the layers of the epidermis contain stem cells?

(A) Stratum basale

(B) Stratum spinosum

(C) Stratum granulosum

(D) Stratum corneum

  • (A) Stratum basale - Contains germinal stem cells that continuously undergo mitosis to produce new keratinocytes. Only layer of the epidermis that contains stem cells.

    (B) Stratum spinosum

    (C) Stratum granulosum

    (D) Stratum corneum

3) The reticular dermis layer is composed of which type of tissue?

(A) Stratified squamous epithelium

(B) Loose connective tissue

(C) Dense irregular connective tissue

(D) Dense regular connective tissue

  • (A) Stratified squamous epithelium – Epidermis is the epithelial layer of skin.

    (B) Loose connective tissue – Dermal papillae layer is composed of loose connective tissue.

    (C) Dense irregular connective tissue – reticular dermis layer is composed of course collagen type I and III fibers.

    (D) Dense regular connective tissue – No skin structures are composed of dense regular connective tissue. Found in tendons and ligaments.

2) What do melanocytes synthesize?

(A) Keratin

(B) Lamellar bodies

(C) Melanin

(D) Vitamin D

  • (A) Keratin – Produced by keratinocytes.

    (B) Lamellar bodies – Produced by keratinocytes

    (C) Melanin – Produced by melanocytes to provide protection from UV light and contribute to skin and hair color.

    (D) Vitamin D – Part of vitamin D synthesis occurs in keratinocytes.