Which aging-related changes are described as loss of elastic fibers, loss of collagen, decreased sebaceous activity, altered temperature control, and hair and nails?

• A. Fat deposition increase
• B. Muscle atrophy
• C. Skin changes with aging
• D. Bone density loss

Answer: (C)

Skin changes with aging manifest as thinning and loss of elastic fibers and collagen in the dermis, which makes the skin less resilient and more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Reduced sebaceous activity leads to drier skin, while altered temperature control arises from diminished sweat gland activity and changes in blood flow, making temperature regulation less efficient. Hair tends to thin and turn gray, and nails can become brittle with age. Together, these features describe the characteristic integumentary changes seen with aging. Other aging processes affect different systems—such as increased fat deposition, muscle atrophy, or bone density loss—so they don’t capture this specific combination of skin, hair, and nail changes.