2025 ITEC Anatomy & Physiology Skin Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

A disrupted skin barrier can significantly compromise the skin's ability to provide protection. The skin barrier, primarily formed by the stratum corneum, serves as a crucial defense mechanism against environmental hazards, including pathogens, irritants, and allergens. When this barrier is compromised, it becomes less effective at preventing the entry of harmful microorganisms, leading to an increased risk of irritation and infection.

Furthermore, a damaged barrier may also result in transepidermal water loss, which can cause dehydration, contributing to an unhealthy skin state that is more prone to irritation. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a critical consequence of barrier disruption, emphasizing the skin’s importance in overall health and immunity.

The other options, such as increased skin elasticity, heightened skin hydration, and a decrease in skin temperature, do not align with the effects of a compromised skin barrier. Typically, such disruption would lead to decreased elasticity and hydration, as the skin struggles to retain moisture, and it does not directly influence skin temperature in the stated manner.