Final answer:
Physicians insist on removing nail polish before surgery for accurate oxygenation monitoring through pulse oximetry. Langerhans cells are indeed present in the epidermis and play a role in immunity, and fingerprints are unique patterns formed by epidermal ridges used for identification. Touch information is processed by the brain after being detected by skin receptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physicians usually insist that patients remove any nail polish before having surgery because the nail bed is a significant indicator of the patient's oxygenation status. During surgery, when the patient is under anesthesia, the most reliable non-invasive way to monitor this is through a device called a pulse oximeter, which clips onto a finger. Nail polish, especially if it's dark, can interfere with the pulse oximeter's ability to measure this by absorbing the light waves the device uses to detect oxygen levels.
True or False. Langerhans cells are immune cells located in the epidermis. The statement is True. Langerhans cells are a type of dendritic cell that reside in the epidermis, and they are involved in the immune response by capturing and presenting antigens to T-cells.
True or False. Fingerprints are due to structures on the surface of the epidermis. The statement is True. Fingerprints are the result of ridges in the epidermis, and these ridges are formed in patterns that are unique to each individual. This uniqueness is why fingerprints are used for identification purposes.
The brain gets touch information from the skin through specialized receptors in the skin that detect various types of stimuli. These receptors are connected to nerves that transmit signals up through the spinal cord and into the brain where they are processed, allowing us to perceive touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.