Which of the following statements regarding the surface of the skin is false?
options: It has an outer epidermis It is salty It has normal microbiota It has goblet cells
The correct answer and explanation is:
The false statement is:
“It has goblet cells.”
Explanation (Approx. 300 Words):
The surface of the skin plays a crucial role as a physical and biological barrier protecting the body from environmental threats, including pathogens, chemicals, and physical injuries. Let’s analyze each statement in the question:
- “It has an outer epidermis” – True
The skin is composed of three primary layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, made up mainly of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. This layer acts as the first line of defense and is essential for preventing water loss and entry of pathogens. - “It is salty” – True
The skin’s surface is covered with sweat, which contains salts (mainly sodium chloride). This salinity creates an acidic and salty environment known as the acid mantle, which inhibits the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms. This biochemical defense is a key component of the innate immune system. - “It has normal microbiota” – True
The skin harbors a diverse community of microorganisms, referred to as the normal microbiota or normal flora. These include bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, fungi like Malassezia, and others. These microbes play a protective role by competing with pathogens and modulating the immune system. - **”It has goblet cells” – False
Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus and are found primarily in mucosal linings of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts—not on the skin. The skin does not produce mucus, and therefore does not contain goblet cells. Instead, its protective function is carried out by keratinocytes, sebaceous glands, and the physical barrier of the stratum corneum.
Conclusion:
The false statement is “It has goblet cells”, as these cells are absent from the skin and are characteristic of mucous membranes, not the cutaneous (skin) surface.