Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What are the primary cells present in the epidermis?

1. Fibroblasts

2. Keratocytes

3. Keratinocytes

4. Adipocytes

The correct answer is: Keratinocytes

The primary cells present in the epidermis are keratinocytes. These cells play a crucial role in the formation of the skin barrier, providing protection against environmental threats such as pathogens, chemicals, and physical injuries. Keratinocytes are responsible for the production of keratin, a key structural protein that contributes to the strength and water-resistance of the skin. As they migrate from the deeper layers of the epidermis to the surface, they undergo a process of keratinization, eventually resulting in the formation of the outermost layer of dead, flattened cells that continuously shed and renew. While fibroblasts, found in the dermis, contribute to the structural integrity of the skin by producing collagen and elastin, and adipocytes, which are involved in fat storage and insulation, are located deeper in the subcutaneous tissue, they do not reside in the epidermis. Thus, keratinocytes are the primary and most significant cells in the epidermis for maintaining its protective and functional properties.