Question

The surface area of contact between the epidermis and the dermis is increased by structures called __________. This increased surface area allows for improved gas and nutrient exchange and waste removal by dermal blood vessels.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is: Stratum basale or Stratum germinativum.

Explanation:

• It is a part of the epidermis and is its innermost layer.
• It is located at the junction  of the inner dermal and outer epidermal layer.
• It remains attached to the basement membrane underneath by structures called hemidesmosomes.
• It forms finger-like projections into the underlying dermis, that increases its surface area which allow efficient exchange of nutrient and waste products.
• Touch-sensitive Merkel cells and melanin-producing melanocytes are interspersed in this layer.