Skin anatomy: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Skin anatomy

Sample item

Which epidermal cell type synthesizes melanin and transfers pigment to keratinocytes?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Melanocyte

Melanocytes in the basal epidermis synthesize melanin within melanosomes and transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes, contributing to skin and hair pigmentation and ultraviolet protection.

Option by option

  • A. Merkel cell

    Merkel cells contribute to light-touch sensation.

  • B. Melanocyte (correct)

    Correct: melanocytes produce and distribute melanin.

  • C. Langerhans cell

    Langerhans cells are antigen-presenting immune cells in the epidermis.

  • D. Keratinocyte

    Keratinocytes receive pigment but are not the primary melanin-producing cells.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Melanocyte. Melanocytes in the basal epidermis synthesize melanin within melanosomes and transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes, contributing to skin and hair pigmentation and ultraviolet protection.

Why is "Merkel cell" not the answer?

Merkel cells contribute to light-touch sensation.

Why is "Langerhans cell" not the answer?

Langerhans cells are antigen-presenting immune cells in the epidermis.

Why is "Keratinocyte" not the answer?

Keratinocytes receive pigment but are not the primary melanin-producing cells.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin anatomy in Dermatology. The correct option holds because: Correct: melanocytes produce and distribute melanin.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Skin anatomy?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.