Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What are the two main parts that compose the skin?

1. Hypodermis and dermis

2. Epidermis and dermis

3. Reticular layer and papillary layer

4. Stratum corneum and stratum basale

The correct answer is: Epidermis and dermis

The skin is composed of two primary layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, serving as a protective barrier for the underlying tissues. It is responsible for the regulation of water loss and the absorption of certain substances. The epidermis is also where the processes of keratinization and cellular turnover occur, contributing to skin health. Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, which is much thicker and provides structural support. The dermis contains essential elements such as blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands that play key roles in thermoregulation, sensation, and the overall maintenance of skin health. The options that refer to the hypodermis and dermis, the reticular and papillary layers, or the stratum corneum and stratum basale are either layers of the skin or parts of the dermis but do not represent the two main components that collectively make up the skin as a whole. Therefore, the correct identification of the epidermis and dermis as the main parts of the skin is essential for understanding skin anatomy and physiology.