Match List – I and List – II and select the correct answer from the code given below:

List – I	List – II
A. Stratum lucidum	1. Region involved in rapid cell division
B. Stratum corneum	2. Deep region of the dermis
C. Stratum basale	3. Layer of dead cells
D. Reticular layer of dermis	4. Translucent cells, containing keratin

1. A

   A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

2. B

   A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1

3. C

   A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

4. D

   A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

• The question requires matching the layers of the skin with their correct descriptions.
• Stratum lucidum is a clear, translucent layer containing keratin, found in thick skin, correctly matching it with 'Translucent cells, containing keratin' (A-4).
• Stratum corneum is the outermost layer composed of dead cells, which correctly matches with 'Layer of dead cells' (B-3).
• Stratum basale is the deepest epidermal layer responsible for regeneration through mitosis, matching with 'Region involved in rapid cell division' (C-1).
• The reticular layer is the deeper of the two dermal layers, matching with 'Deep region of the dermis' (D-2).
• Therefore, the combination A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2 correctly pairs each skin layer with its defining characteristic.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option incorrectly matches Stratum lucidum with 'Layer of dead cells' (A-3) and Stratum corneum with 'Deep region of the dermis' (B-2). While the stratum corneum is a layer of dead cells, the stratum lucidum is characterized by its translucency. The reticular layer is the deep region of the dermis, not the stratum corneum.
• Option B: This option incorrectly matches Stratum corneum with 'Deep region of the dermis' (B-2) and Stratum basale with 'Layer of dead cells' (C-3). The stratum corneum is the layer of dead cells, and the stratum basale is the region of cell division.
• Option D: This option incorrectly matches Stratum lucidum with 'Deep region of the dermis' (A-2), Stratum corneum with 'Translucent cells, containing keratin' (B-4), and Stratum basale with 'Layer of dead cells' (C-3). These pairings are factually incorrect.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and function of the layers of the skin, specifically the epidermis and dermis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding the layers of the skin is fundamental for many nursing procedures. For example, intradermal injections (like for allergy testing or the Mantoux test) are administered into the dermis, just below the epidermis.
• Knowledge of skin anatomy is crucial for assessing and managing wounds. The depth of a wound (i.e., which layers are affected) determines its classification and treatment plan.
• Nurses assess skin integrity to identify pressure ulcers, which develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood supply, leading to damage in the epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissues.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the type of question. This is a 'Match the Following' question requiring knowledge of skin anatomy.
• Read both lists carefully to understand the items to be matched.
• Start by matching the term you are most confident about. For example, many students remember that 'basale' relates to the base and cell division (C-1).
• Next, match another familiar term. 'Corneum' is the horny, outermost layer, which consists of dead cells (B-3).
• Use the process of elimination. With C-1 and B-3 matched, look at the remaining options. 'Lucidum' means clear or translucent (A-4). This leaves D-2 as the only remaining pair.
• Finally, check the options to find the one that contains all your correct pairings (A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2).

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Anatomy and function of the layers of the skin, specifically the epidermis and dermis.
• Stem keywords: Stratum lucidum, Stratum corneum, Stratum basale, Reticular layer of dermis, Skin layers
• Lead-in keywords: Match, select the correct answer

Question ID

Q1oFWyILnKoemiBwITZWJa

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 229-231

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 2-4

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 49-51