Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is a thin plate of epidermal cells referred to as?

1. Scale

2. Flake

3. Patch

4. Crust

The correct answer is: Scale

A thin plate of epidermal cells is referred to as a scale. Scales are formed when the outer layer of skin, composed of dead keratinized cells, flakes off or is shed. This process is a normal part of skin renewal and contributes to the overall maintenance of skin health. Scales can be observed in various skin conditions or as part of the natural skin cycle, where there is gradual loss of these cells to make way for new ones beneath. The other options represent different kinds of skin formations: flakes typically refer to smaller, finer pieces that may indicate dryness or other skin issues. A patch is generally a flat, distinct area of skin that may differ in color or texture from the surrounding area. A crust typically refers to a dried substance that forms over a wound or lesion, often consisting of dried blood, serum, or exudate. Thus, in the context of epidermal cells, scale is the term that best describes the phenomenon of thin plates of skin.