IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022
Applied Anatomy
Easy

Thickest skin in human being is formed on:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

  • The skin on the soles of the feet is classified as 'thick skin' and is the thickest in the human body.
  • This thickness is primarily due to a significantly thicker stratum corneum (the outermost layer) which provides protection against friction and pressure.
  • Thick skin is also characterized by the presence of a fifth epidermal layer, the stratum lucidum, which is located between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum.
  • This type of skin is specifically adapted for areas subject to high mechanical stress, such as walking and gripping.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: The skin on the lips is exceptionally thin and lacks a thick protective stratum corneum. It is a transition zone between skin and mucous membrane.
  • Option C: The skin on the neck is classified as thin skin. It needs to be flexible to allow for the wide range of motion of the head.
  • Option D: The skin on the eyelid is the thinnest in the entire body, measuring less than 0.1 mm in some areas. This allows for the delicate and rapid movement required for blinking.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the integumentary system, specifically the classification and location of thick versus thin skin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Skin thickness is a critical factor in transdermal drug delivery; medications are absorbed differently through thick versus thin skin.
  • Nurses must consider skin thickness when choosing sites for injections. For example, intradermal injections (like for allergy testing) are given into the dermis of thin skin.
  • Areas with thick skin, like the heels, are prone to developing calluses and fissures, while areas with thin skin, like over bony prominences, are at higher risk for pressure ulcers.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question from anatomy.
  • First, identify the key term in the question: 'thickest skin'.
  • Recall the two main classifications of skin in the human body: thick skin and thin skin.
  • Remember the specific anatomical locations where thick skin is found, which are the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
  • Scan the options provided: Lips, Sole, Neck, Eyelid.
  • Select the option that matches the known location of thick skin. In this case, 'Sole' is the correct choice.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Anatomy of the integumentary system, specifically the classification and location of thick versus thin skin.
  • Stem keywords: Thickest skin, human being
  • Lead-in keywords: is formed on

Question ID

QJDmnRKo3F3AjZZ3yLl85q

Reference Book

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 229-231

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 49-51

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.