Which epidermal cell type is most numerous? (a) keratinocyte, (b) melanocyte, (c) dendritic cell, (d) tactile cell.
To determine:
The name of the epidermal cell which is found numerously in the body is:
keratinocytes
melanocyte
dendritic cell
tactile cell
Answer to Problem 1MC
Solution:
(a) Keratinocytes: The epidermis is composed of 90% of keratinocytes.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for the correct answer:
The epidermis is the outer layer of the body. The keratinocytes are the cells that make up the maximum of the epidermis. These cells reduce water loss from the body and also protect the body from external stress and microbes. Thus, option (a) is considered as correct option.
Explanation for the incorrect answer:
Option (b) is given as melanocyte. Melanocytes are the melanin forming cells. Melanin is a pigment responsible for the skin color. These cells consists approximately 5% to 10% of the cells present in basal layer of epidermis. Thus option (b) is an incorrect answer.
Option (c) is given as dendritic cell. Dendritic cells are antigen- presenting cells found in all layers of epidermis and among all stratum spinosum is the most prominent site. These cells make 2% - 4% of the total epidermial cells. Thus option (c) is an incorrect answer.
Option (d) is given as tactile cells. These are the sensory receptor cells present in epidermis and help to perceive the environment through tactile sense. These cells consists 0.5% to 5% of the total epidermal cells. Thus option (d) is an incorrect answer.
Hence, option (b), (c) and (d) are considered as incorrect options.
Thus it is concluded that keratinocytes are the cells that makes approximately 90% of the total epidermal population, and considered as most numerously found cell in the epidermis.
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Chapter 5 Solutions
Anatomy & Physiology (6th Edition)