Direction: In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) i...
Surface of skin is impervious to water because it is covered by stratified keratinized squamous epithelium. This epithelium has many superficial layers of horny, scale- like remains of dead squamous cells and several deeper layers of living polygonal cells. Heavy deposits of the insoluble protein keratin are present in the dead superficial layers which makes this epithelium impervious to water. Stratified cuboidal epithelium, on the other hand, lines the inner surface of sweat gland, large salivary and pancreatic ducts.
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Direction: In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) i...
**Assertion : Surface of skin is impervious to water.**
**Reason : Surface of skin is covered by stratified cuboidal epithelium.**
The correct answer is option 'C' - Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false.
**Explanation:**
The surface of the skin is indeed impervious to water, but the reason provided - that the surface of the skin is covered by stratified cuboidal epithelium - is incorrect.
1. **Surface of skin is impervious to water:**
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and serves as a protective barrier against external factors such as microorganisms, chemicals, and physical damage. One of the functions of the skin is to prevent water loss from the body and to protect it from excess water absorption. The outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells that are tightly packed together, forming a waterproof barrier. This layer prevents water from entering or leaving the body through the skin, making the surface of the skin impervious to water.
2. **Surface of skin is covered by stratified cuboidal epithelium:**
The reason provided in the statement is incorrect. The surface of the skin is not covered by stratified cuboidal epithelium, but rather by stratified squamous epithelium. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells. These cells are flat and tightly packed together, providing strength and protection to the skin. The stratified squamous epithelium is well-suited for its role in the skin as it helps to prevent water loss and provides a barrier against pathogens and environmental damage.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - Assertion (A) is true but reason (R) is false. The surface of the skin is impervious to water, but it is not covered by stratified cuboidal epithelium.
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