Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What structural feature enhances the strength of the skin layers?

1. Connective tissues

2. Interlocking cohesion (rete pegs/ridges)

3. Microvascular networks

4. Nerve endings

The correct answer is: Interlocking cohesion (rete pegs/ridges)

The structural feature that enhances the strength of the skin layers is interlocking cohesion, commonly referred to as rete pegs or ridges. These structures consist of interdigitating epidermal and dermal layers that create a mechanical interlock between the two skin layers. This interlocking increases the surface area of attachment between the epidermis and dermis, which helps to resist shear forces and maintain the integrity of the skin. Consequently, the stronger the interlocking patterns, the better the skin can withstand stretching, pulling, and other stresses without injury. The presence of rete pegs contributes significantly to the overall durability and stability of the skin, making it less prone to separation and damage. In addition, these structures play a role in supporting the overall architecture of the skin and can influence the functionality of the skin barrier. Other factors such as connective tissues, microvascular networks, and nerve endings play essential roles in skin health and function, but they do not specifically enhance the structural strength of the skin layers in the same way that interlocking cohesion does. Connective tissues provide support and elasticity, microvascular networks supply blood and nutrients, and nerve endings are critical for sensory perception, but their contributions to physical strength and resistance to injury are not as direct as those provided by