Cosmetology anatomy and disorders practice questions
Anatomy and physiology is part of the NIC’s Scientific Concepts domain. Texas puts hair, scalp, skin and nail diseases and disorders inside its 28-question infection control domain, and California has a 19% consultation and analysis domain built on the same knowledge.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 12 of the 110 questions come from anatomy and disorders, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free anatomy and disorders drillThe integumentary system is made up of the skin and its accessory structures, which include
What to know about anatomy and disorders
- The hair shaft has three layers: the cuticle (outer, overlapping scales), the cortex (the middle layer that gives strength, elasticity and natural color) and the medulla (the innermost layer, which fine hair may lack).
- Hair grows in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting, then shedding).
- Hair analysis covers texture (diameter of a strand), density (number of hairs per square inch), porosity (ability to absorb moisture) and elasticity (ability to stretch and return).
- The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and has no blood vessels; the dermis below it holds blood vessels, nerves, sweat (sudoriferous) glands and oil (sebaceous) glands. Melanin, made in the basal layer, gives skin its color.
- The nail plate grows from the matrix. The lunula is the visible part of the matrix, the eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail plate, the cuticle is the dead tissue on the plate, and the hyponychium is the skin under the free edge.
- Refer, do not treat: tinea (ringworm), impetigo, conjunctivitis, pediculosis capitis, onychomycosis and paronychia. Noncontagious conditions such as canities (gray hair), leukonychia (white spots) or Beau’s lines can be serviced with care.
- Moles that change in shape, color or size can be a sign of skin cancer. The ABCDE checklist: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving. Refer the client to a physician; never diagnose.
- The frontalis raises the eyebrows, the orbicularis oculi closes the eyelid, and the masseter and temporalis move the jaw for chewing.
NIC outline area I.B: 12 of the 110 questions in our NIC-format mock come from this topic. The notes state principles every state shares; state rules are in the Texas, California and Florida guides.
Drill anatomy and disorders, then sit the full exam
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 12 of the 110 questions come from anatomy and disorders, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free anatomy and disorders drillCommon questions
What are the three layers of the hair shaft?
The cuticle on the outside, the cortex in the middle (strength, elasticity and natural color) and the medulla at the center, which fine hair may not have.
Which nail and skin conditions should a cosmetologist not service?
Contagious or infected conditions such as tinea, impetigo, conjunctivitis, head lice, nail fungus (onychomycosis) and paronychia. Refer the client to a physician.
110 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes in the NIC format. 12 of the 110 questions come from anatomy and disorders, and every answer is explained.
Or try the free anatomy and disorders drillMore cosmetology exam topics
- Infection control · 16 of 110
- Safety, chemistry and electricity · 10 of 110
- Hair care, cutting and styling · 30 of 110
- Hair color and chemical services · 20 of 110
- Skin care, hair removal and makeup · 11 of 110
- Nail care and enhancements · 11 of 110
- State laws and rules
Free anatomy and disorders drill · NIC mock exam · Texas exam · California exam · Florida exam
Original independent practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NIC, PSI, Pearson VUE, TDLR, the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Florida Board of Cosmetology or any state board.