Health Science 5

Epidermis

The most superficial layer of the skin, which is avascular.

Dermis

Lies immediately below the epidermis and is much thicker than the epidermis.

Hypodermis/Subcutaneous

Lies immediately below the dermis; not technically skin, consists of adipose and loose connective tissue.

Sebaceous Gland

An exocrine gland in the dermis or subcutaneous layer that produces oil (sebum).

Sudoriferous Glands

Sweat glands located in the dermis with ducts opening onto the epidermis.

Melanin

A yellow to brownish black pigment found in some parts of the body, such as skin, retina, and hair, that determines skin color.

Keratin

A fibrous protein that forms the main structural constituent of hair, forms nails, and protects the skin.

Follicle

Structure in the dermis of the skin from which a strand of hair grows.

Papilla

Contains capillaries that nourish the hair follicle.

Hair Root

Portion of hair below the skin.

Hair Shaft

The portion of hair that projects beyond the skin.

Arector Pili Muscle

Attaches to the follicles and stands hair up, causing goose bumps.

Stratum Germanitivum

The second epidermal layer, which contains papillae.

Stratum Corneum

The first (outermost) epidermal layer.

Cortex

Outer layer of the hair shaft.

Athlete's Foot

A very contagious fungal infection of the skin.

Dermatitis

An inflammatory condition of the skin.

Acne Vulgar

Common acne; inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin.

Herpes

Viral diseases causing eruptions of the skin or mucous membrane.

Eczema

A noncontagious skin rash that produces itching, blistering, and scaling.

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial skin infection forming pustules and yellow, crusty sores.

Psoriasis

A skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.

Ringworm

A contagious fungal infection with raised circular patches.

Scabies

A contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows under the skin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The second most common type of skin cancer; more aggressive.

Malignant Melanoma

The most serious form of skin cancer, originating from melanocytes; very aggressive with no cure.

Macule

A flat, colored spot on the skin.

Papule

A small, solid skin elevation.

Ulcer

An open sore on the skin or mucous membrane.

Vesicle

A small collection of clear fluid; a blister.

Wart

A small, hard, benign growth on the skin, caused by a virus.

Burns

Tissue damage and cell death caused by heat, electricity, UV radiation, or chemicals.

Perspiration

A salty fluid secreted by sweat glands; bacteria cause odor.

Alopecia

Very short, transparent hair and/or hair loss.

Genital Herpes

A virus that produces painful blisters in the genital area, can be passed to newborns during birth.

Subcutaneous Layer

The layer of fat and connective tissues below the dermis of the skin.

Sebum

Oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands.

Rule of Nines

A method to measure the percent of the body burned.

Decubitus

Pressure ulcer or bedsore.

Skin

The outer covering of the body.

Hair

Filaments that grow from the skin, primarily made of keratin.

Epi

Outer, above

Hypo

Below, under, low