Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What is the function of Langerhans cells in the skin?

1. Provide structural support

2. Store fat

3. Protect the body from infection

4. Produce melanin

The correct answer is: Protect the body from infection

Langerhans cells are a type of dendritic cell found in the epidermis, and their primary function is to protect the body from infection. They play a crucial role in the immune response by identifying and processing foreign pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that penetrate the skin. Once they capture these invaders, Langerhans cells migrate to the lymph nodes, where they present antigens to T-cells, aiding in the activation of the immune response. This protective function is essential in maintaining the skin's barrier and overall health. The other options pertain to different functions of other skin components or cell types. While structural support is provided by cells such as fibroblasts in the dermis, fat storage is primarily the role of adipocytes, which are not related to Langerhans cells. Producing melanin is the function of melanocytes, another type of skin cell. Thus, Langerhans cells are specifically significant for their immunological function.