MedTerm - Ch. 4: Integumentary System

derm/o, dermat/o, derma

skin

kerat/o

horny tissue; hard; keratin

melan/o

melanin, black

hidr/o

sweat, perspiration

seb/o

sebum, sebaceous, oil

trich/o

hair

onych/o

nail

cutaneous

pertaining to the skin

Dermis

layer between epidermis and subcutaneous tissue

Epidermis

outermost layer of skin

hair

threadlike keratin outgrowth from skin

hair follicle

the sheath in which a hair develops

Keratin

A fiber protein that is the principal component of hair, skin, and nails

Melanin

A pigment that gives the skin its color

nail

a plate-like keratinized outgrowth of the skin

sebaceous glands

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

sebum

a fatty secretion of the sebaceous glands that lubricates the hair and skin

subcutaneous layer

connective and adipose tissue layer just under the dermis

sweat gland

The glands that secrete sweat to regulate body temperature

Atopic Dermatitis

A chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by dry, itchy, red patches. It often appears on the face, hands, elbows, or knees and is linked to allergies or asthma. The skin barrier is weak, leading to moisture loss and irritation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common and least dangerous type of skin cancer. It starts in the basal cells of the epidermis, often due to long

Cicatrization

The process of wound healing through scar formation. As collagen fibers rebuild tissue, the new scar may be stronger but less flexible than normal skin.

Debridement

The medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healthy wound healing. It can be done surgically, chemically, or with special dressings.

Dehiscence

A surgical complication where a wound reopens after being stitched or closed. It may result from infection, poor nutrition, or stress on the wound site.

Dermatitis

A general term for inflammation of the skin. It causes redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blistering. Common types include contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Dermatology

The branch of medicine that studies, diagnoses, and treats skin, hair, and nail disorders. Dermatologists also perform cosmetic and surgical skin procedures.

Dermatome

A section or area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve. Important in assessing nerve damage and sensory function.

Eczema

A noninfectious, chronic skin inflammation causing dry, scaly, itchy patches. Often triggered by irritants, stress, or allergies and linked with atopic dermatitis.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to capillaries. It often occurs with inflammation, infection, or irritation.

Escharotomy

A surgical incision through thick, burned tissue (eschar) to relieve pressure and restore circulation in severe burns.

Evisceration

The protrusion of internal organs, such as intestines, through a surgical incision or wound. It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Exudate

Fluid, pus, or other material that leaks from blood vessels or a wound. It contains white blood cells, proteins, and debris, and helps indicate infection or inflammation.

Kaposi Sarcoma

A rare cancer that forms in the lining of blood vessels and lymph nodes. It causes purple or brown skin lesions and is often associated with HIV/AIDS.

Keloid

A thick, raised scar that grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound. It results from overproduction of collagen during healing and may cause pain or itching.

Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, causing joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes, often shaped like a butterfly across the cheeks.

Melanoma

The most dangerous type of skin cancer, developing from melanocytes (pigment cells). It spreads quickly if untreated and often appears as a dark, irregular mole.

Pemphigus

A rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks proteins in the skin, causing blisters, sores, and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes.

Pressure Ulcer

Also called a bed sore, it develops when prolonged pressure cuts off blood supply to skin tissue, usually on bony areas like the hips, heels, or tailbone.

Pruritus

The medical term for itching. It can be localized or widespread and may result from dryness, allergies, or systemic conditions like liver disease.

Psoriasis

A chronic autoimmune skin condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to red, scaly patches covered with silvery

Rule of Nines

A method used to estimate the total body surface area affected by burns. Each major body section represents a percentage of 9 or a multiple of 9.

Scleroderma

A chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten. It may also affect internal organs and blood vessels.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A common type of skin cancer arising from the squamous cells in the epidermis. It can appear as a scaly red patch or sore and may spread if untreated.

Skin

The largest organ of the body

Integumentary System

Your body's outer layer, primarily the skin, hair, and nails, acting as a protective barrier against the outside world