Integumentary Terminology

Integumentary system

The skin, hair, nails, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin.

Dermis

The deeper skin layer containing blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.

Hypodermis

The layer beneath the dermis containing connective tissue and fat.

Keratin

A tough protein found in skin, hair, and nails.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes that contributes to skin color and helps protect against UV radiation.

Melanocyte

A cell that produces melanin.

Sebaceous gland

A gland that produces sebum to lubricate skin and hair.

Sudoriferous gland

A sweat gland that produces sweat.

Hair follicle

A structure from which hair grows.

Nail

A hard keratin structure protecting the ends of fingers and toes.

Nociceptor

A sensory receptor that detects potentially damaging stimuli.

Pressure receptor

A sensory receptor detecting mechanical pressure or deformation.

Thermoreceptor

A sensory receptor detecting temperature changes.

Acne vulgaris

A common disorder involving blocked and inflamed hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.

Eczema

A group of inflammatory skin conditions often causing itchy, dry skin.

Psoriasis

A chronic immune-mediated disorder causing scaly plaques.

Urticaria

Hives; raised, itchy areas of skin.

Melanoma

A potentially aggressive cancer of melanocytes.

Carcinoma

A cancer arising from epithelial cells.

Basal cell carcinoma

A common skin cancer arising from basal cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A skin cancer arising from squamous cells.

Pressure ulcer

A localized injury caused by prolonged pressure.

Burn

Tissue injury caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction.

First-degree burn

A superficial burn affecting the epidermis.

Second-degree burn

A burn involving the epidermis and part of the dermis, often producing blisters.

Third-degree burn

A full-thickness burn destroying the epidermis and dermis.

Vitiligo

An autoimmune disorder causing loss of pigment in patches of skin.

Alopecia

Loss of hair.

Cellulitis

A bacterial infection of deeper skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial skin infection causing superficial sores or blisters.