The dermis of mammalian skin, including that of humans, contains a large amount of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin. As a person ages, the amount of elastin in the dermis declines. Which of the following cell types is likely to be the cause of this change in the dermis of the skin?
A)keratinocytes
B)fibroblasts
C)melanocytes
D)epidermal cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts are the main cell type responsible for producing and maintaining the extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin, in the dermis. As a person ages, the activity and number of fibroblasts decline, resulting in a decrease in the amount of elastin in the skin. Keratinocytes, melanocytes, and epidermal cells are not directly involved in the production or maintenance of extracellular matrix proteins in the dermis.

The Dermis of Mammalian Skin, Including That of Humans, Contains