Pathology · single question
Which tissue is NOT affected by ectodermal dysplasia?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Blood vessels
- A. Oral mucosal epithelium is ectodermal and is affected — it is often dry and atrophic.
- B. Salivary glands are ectodermally derived — their hypoplasia causes the xerostomia seen in these patients.
- C. Hair follicles are ectodermal — hypotrichosis (sparse, fine hair) is a cardinal feature, along with hypodontia/anodontia, hypohidrosis, and dysplastic nails.
- D. Correct (NOT affected). BLOOD VESSELS are MESODERMAL in origin. Ectodermal dysplasia is a defect of structures derived from ECTODERM, so vascular tissue is spared.