**Core Concept**
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It is caused by the production of autoantibodies against desmoglein 3, a component of desmosomes, which are structures that hold skin cells together.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The autoantibodies in pemphigus vulgaris bind to the extracellular domain of desmoglein 3, disrupting the cell-to-cell adhesion and leading to the formation of blisters. The blisters in pemphigus vulgaris are typically located on the skin, particularly on the chest and back, and on mucous membranes, such as the oral cavity, esophagus, and genital tract. The mucous membranes are often involved before the skin.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as pemphigus vulgaris is not characterized by the formation of blisters in the dermal-epidermal junction.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as pemphigus vulgaris is not a condition that affects the basement membrane zone.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as pemphigus vulgaris is not a condition that affects the hair follicles.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pemphigus vulgaris is a classic example of an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, and it is often associated with the presence of autoantibodies against desmoglein 3.

**Correct Answer: C. Skin and mucous membranes.**