NIC Esthetician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
An esthetician is explaining the process of skin healing to a client after a minor injury. They describe how specialized cells are crucial for producing collagen and elastin, which are essential for repairing damaged tissue and restoring skin's strength and elasticity. Which type of cell is primarily responsible for synthesizing these vital proteins in the dermis?
- AMelanocytes
- BLangerhans cells
- CFibroblasts
- DKeratinocytes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are the principal cells of the dermis, responsible for synthesizing collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, which are critical for wound healing and maintaining the structural integrity of the skin.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Melanocytes produce melanin for pigment, not collagen or elastin.
- B. Langerhans cells are immune cells in the epidermis, involved in antigen presentation.
- D. Keratinocytes produce keratin and form the epidermis, not dermal collagen/elastin.
Fibroblasts
Connective tissue cells found in the dermis that produce collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix, essential for skin structure and wound healing.
- Located in the dermis
- Synthesize collagen and elastin
- Crucial for wound repair
Memory trick: Fibroblasts are the 'fiber-builders' of the skin's strength.