The superficial layer of epidermal cells are:
A. Well nourished
B. Cuboidal
C. Highly mitotic
D. Squamous
Why does the elevated body temperature seen with a fever develop?
A. Because the set point for body temperature is decreased.
B. Because the hypothalamus stops monitoring body temperature.
C. Because infection destroys the hypothalamus and, thus, the control center for body temperature.
D. Because the set point for body temperature becomes elevated.
Answer (2)
The superficial layer of epidermal cells is made up of squamous cells, making option D the correct answer. Elevated body temperature during a fever occurs because the hypothalamus raises the body’s set point, making option D correct for that question as well.
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In the first question, regarding the superficial layer of epidermal cells, the correct characteristic is: (D) Squamous.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It is composed of several layers of cells, but the superficial layer, known as the stratum corneum, consists of dead keratinized cells that have a flattened, or squamous, shape. These cells are not well nourished nor highly mitotic at this stage, as they are at the end of their life cycle.
In the second question, about the elevated body temperature seen with a fever, the correct answer is: (D) Because the set point for body temperature becomes elevated.
Fevers occur when the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, increases the set point for body temperature in response to an infection or illness. This change in set point prompts the body to generate more heat, thereby elevating the body temperature. This is part of the body's immune response, helping to fight off pathogens by creating an environment less favorable to their survival.
