Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of the integumentary system, what is edema?
A
A type of skin cancer
B
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues
C
A bacterial infection of the hair follicles
D
A loss of skin pigmentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands. Its primary functions are protection, regulation of body temperature, and sensation.
Step 2: Define edema. Edema refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues, leading to swelling. It can occur due to various reasons, such as injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.
Step 3: Compare edema with the other options provided in the question. For example, skin cancer involves uncontrolled growth of skin cells, bacterial infections of hair follicles are localized infections, and loss of skin pigmentation refers to conditions like vitiligo.
Step 4: Recognize that edema is not directly related to skin cancer, bacterial infections, or pigmentation loss. It is specifically characterized by fluid buildup in tissues, which can affect the skin's appearance and function.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues,' as this aligns with the definition of edema and its relevance to the integumentary system.