68D 101 Operating Room Specialist Practice Test

What protects underlying cells from the effects of ultraviolet light?

Melanin Keratin Collagen Elastin

Correct Answer:

Melanin

Explanation:

UV protection in the skin comes from melanin, the pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun and dissipates the energy as harmless heat, reducing DNA damage in the skin’s deeper cells. More melanin means greater protection against UV-induced changes that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging, which is why darker skin has a lower risk for certain UV damages under the same exposure. Keratin is a structural protein that strengthens and forms the outer protective barrier of the epidermis; it isn’t specialized for absorbing UV radiation. Collagen and elastin are proteins in the dermis that provide strength and elasticity; they don’t shield cells from UV light and, in fact, can be degraded by UV exposure over time.

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