Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the substance that serves as a medium between collagen and elastin in the skin?

1. Ground substance

2. Keratin

3. Collagen fibers

4. Elastin fibers

The correct answer is: Ground substance

The correct answer is ground substance. Ground substance is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix in the skin, acting as a medium that supports and surrounds the collagen and elastin fibers. It is primarily composed of water, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, which together help maintain the skin's hydration, elasticity, and overall structure. By providing this supportive framework, ground substance plays an essential role in facilitating communication and nutrient exchange between cells and the surrounding matrix. Keratin, in contrast, is a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails, contributing primarily to their protective properties rather than serving as a medium between collagen and elastin. Collagen fibers are the primary structural components that provide firmness and strength to the skin, while elastin fibers contribute to the skin's elasticity, enabling it to stretch and return to its original shape. Neither collagen nor elastin acts as a medium; instead, they are essential structural proteins supported by the ground substance, which helps them function effectively within the skin.