Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which type of underlying tissue is described as pale yellow and waxy?

1. Dermis

2. Subcutaneous

3. Epidermis

4. Adipose tissue

The correct answer is: Subcutaneous

The description of underlying tissue as pale yellow and waxy aligns with the characteristics of subcutaneous tissue. This layer, also known as the hypodermis, consists primarily of loose connective tissue and fat cells, which can give it a pale yellowish appearance due to the presence of adipocytes (fat cells). Subcutaneous tissue serves several important functions in the body, including acting as a cushion to protect underlying structures, facilitating movement of the skin over the tissues below, and serving as an energy reserve due to its fat content. The waxy appearance can also be attributed to the lipid content within the adipose tissue, which has a distinctive texture and aesthetic appearance. Dermis, epidermis, and adipose tissue have different characteristics. The dermis is primarily made up of dense connective tissue and is responsible for structural support. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin, primarily composed of keratinocytes, and does not possess the yellow, waxy properties described. Adipose tissue, although it is a component of the subcutaneous layer, generally does not reference the tissue layer itself which encompasses a variety of structures. Therefore, subcutaneous tissue is the best choice given the description provided.