Med Terms Body Systems

organ covering the body; made up of layers (also called cutaneous membrane) (Fig. 4.1)

skin

outer layer of skin; protects the body from the external environment

epidermis

scleroprotein component of the hornlike, or cornified, layer of the epidermis. Also, the primary component of the hair and nails

Keratin

dark pigment produced by melanocytes; amount present determines skin color

melanin

compressed, keratinized cells that arise from hair follicles, the sacs that enclose the hair fibers

Hair

hornlike plates made from flattened epithelial cells; found on the dorsal surface of the ends of the fingers and toes

Nails

secrete sebum (oil) into the hair follicles where the hair shafts pass through the dermis

Sebaceous glands

tiny, coiled, tubular structures that emerge through pores on the skin’s surface and secrete sweat (also called sweat glands)

sudoriferous glands

inner layer of skin; responsible for its flexibility and mechanical strength

dermis

layer between the dermis and the underlying tissues and organs; contains adipose tissue (fat), connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels (also called subcutaneous layer)

hypodermis

hidr/o

sweat

derm/o

dermat/o

cutane/o

skin

kerat/o

hornlike tissue (keratin), scaly

onych/o

nail

seb/o

oil or sebum

trich/o

hair

ungu/o

nail

aden/o

gland, glandular tissue

crypt/o

hidden

erythr/o

red

leuk/o

white

myc/o

fungus

pachy/o

thick

phag/o

to eat, consume

rhytid/o

wrinkle

scler/o

hard