Which of the following statements is false?
a) the papillary layer is closest to the epidermis.
b) collagen fibers recoil when skin is stretched, returning it to its original shape.
c) fibromyalgia is overactive nerve endings in the skin.
d) both collagen and elastin fibers extend into the papillary and hypodermal layers.
e) all of these statements are true.

The answer is letter D.

Explanation:

Letter A- The papillary layer is closest to the dermis. This is true. There are two types of layers in the dermis, the papillary layer and the reticular layer. The papillary layer is directly located underneath the dermis, while the reticular layer follows under (this layer consists of denser connective tissues).

Letter B - Collagen fibers recoil when skin is stretched, returning to its original shape. This is true. The ability of the collagen fibers to recoil is due to the presence of a protein, which makes it flexible and strong. This allows it to resist stretching and return to its original shape.

Letter C- Fibromyalgia is overactive nerve endings in the skin. This is true. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system of the body. Due to overactive nerve endings, it amplifies the pain that a person experiences by sending pain signals to the brain. This is similarly linked to the condition of arthritis.

Letter D- Both collagen and elastin fibers extend into the papillary and hypodermal layers. This is false. It is only the collagen fiber that extends into both papillary and hypodermal layers.

Thus, the answer is letter D.