Human Anatomy (7th Edition) View more editions

Solutions for Chapter 4

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    Epidermal ridges are the projections that arise from stratum basale layer, the lower most layer of epidermis. These ridges extend into the underlying dermis and form connection between the two layers. So, these ridges do not lie on the surface of epidermis but extend in to the dermis layer. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.

    The contours on the surface of the skin follow the pattern of the epidermal ridges. They appear as small conical pegs or elevations in the soft regions and appear as whorls in thicker regions like soles of the legs. Hence, option (b) is correct.

    Epidermal ridges produce patterns that are determined genetically but not by the environment. They vary from person to person and remain constant in the life time of an individual. Because of the stability of the pattern of ridges, finger prints are used to identify the person. Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

    As epidermal ridges arise from the stratum basale layer and extend into the dermis layer of the skin, they connect the stratum basale layer with the superficial papillary layer of the dermis. The space between the ridges is occupied by the dermal papillae that arise from the papillary layer of the dermis. Hence, option (d) is incorrect.

    Therefore, the correct option is (b) epidermal ridges can cause ridge patterns on the surface of the skin.

Corresponding Textbook

Human Anatomy 7th edition 9780321688156 0321688155
Human Anatomy | 7th Edition
9780321688156ISBN-13: 0321688155ISBN: Robert B Tallitsch, Michael J Timmons, Frederic H MartiniAuthors:
Alternate ISBN: 9780321609595, 9780321687944, 9780321731982, 9780321741691, 9780321778161, 9780321805553, 9780321830081