Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans cells are found in which layer of the skin?

1. Stratum corneum

2. Stratum lucidum

3. Stratum granulosum

4. Stratum germinativum

The correct answer is: Stratum germinativum

The correct answer is associated with the stratum germinativum, also known as the stratum basale. This layer is the deepest part of the epidermis and is crucial for the development and renewal of skin cells. Within this layer, melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color and provides protection against UV radiation. Merkel cells function as mechanoreceptors, playing a key role in the sense of touch, while Langerhans cells are part of the immune system, helping to defend against pathogens that penetrate the skin. The presence of these specialized cells in the stratum germinativum highlights its vital role in both skin pigmentation and sensory functions, as well as immune response. This is significant because it underscores the multifunctional nature of this skin layer, differentiating it from the other layers where the functions and types of cells are more specialized or not as diverse.