Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What function do desmosomes serve in the skin?

1. They provide energy to cells

2. They allow for cell communication

3. They connect upper epidermal tissue

4. They absorb nutrients from the environment

The correct answer is: They connect upper epidermal tissue

Desmosomes are specialized structures in the skin that serve to connect adjacent cells, particularly in the upper layers of the epidermis. They function as intercellular junctions that provide mechanical strength and support by anchoring cells together, which is essential in maintaining the structural integrity of skin tissue during stretching and stress. The role of desmosomes is crucial because they help to create a barrier that protects underlying tissues from mechanical damage and prevent the loss of water and other essential substances. This strong intercellular attachment is particularly important in areas of the skin that experience significant movement and shear forces, ensuring that the epidermal cells remain firmly connected and the skin remains resilient. Understanding the function of desmosomes highlights their importance in skin health and integrity, contrasting with other options, which do not accurately represent the characteristic roles of these junctions. For example, while cell communication is vital in the skin, that function is primarily served by gap junctions rather than desmosomes. Similarly, desmosomes do not provide energy, nor do they absorb nutrients from the environment, as those processes are managed by different cellular structures and mechanisms in the skin.