Anatomy Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Anatomy Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is melanin responsible for in the skin?

Regulating temperature
Providing structural support
Giving color to the skin
Facilitating the healing process

The correct answer is: Giving color to the skin

Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, primarily located in the epidermis of the skin. Its primary function is to provide color, or pigmentation, to the skin, hair, and eyes. The amount and type of melanin present in an individual's skin determine their skin tone and can influence the overall appearance of their complexion. In addition to its role in pigmentation, melanin also serves a protective function by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Increased melanin production can occur in response to sun exposure, as a natural defense mechanism to prevent DNA damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, the correct response highlights melanin's crucial role in determining skin color.