Integumentary system

acne

Inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that produces pimples on the skin

albinism

An inherited condition that prevents the normal production of melanin, resulting in extremely pale skin and white hair.

allergy skin test

During allergy skin tests, your skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction

alopecia

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss

anesthetic

use of medicines to prevent pain during surgery and other procedures.

antibiotic

 medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

antifungal

medicines that kill or stop the growth of fungi that cause infections.

antipruritic

tending to check or relieve itching.

antiviral

*kills* a virus or that suppresses its ability to replicate and, hence, inhibits its capability to multiply and reproduce.

arrector pili

also known as hair erector muscles, are small muscles attached to hair follicles in mammals. Contraction of these muscles causes the hairs to stand on end, known colloquially as goose bumps.

autograft

a tissue or organ that is transplanted from one part to another part of the same body.

basal cell carcinoma

 a type of skin cancer that forms in the basal cells of your skin. Basal cells exist in the lower part of your epidermis, which is the outside layer of your skin. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a small, sometimes shiny bump or scaly flat patch on your skin that slowly grows over time.

basal layer

the innermost layer of the epidermis, and contains small round cells called basal cells. The basal cells continually divide, and new cells constantly push older ones up toward the surface of the skin, where they are eventually shed.

biologic

A biologic drug (biologics) is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. 

biopsy

A biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the body in order to examine it more closely. A doctor should recommend a biopsy when an initial test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn't normal.

blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee) is a type of surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids.

burns

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals.

cauterization

Cauterization is a medical practice or technique of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a part of it.

chemical peel

also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin.

cicatrix

a scar resulting from formation and contraction of fibrous tissue in a wound

collagen

The principal protein of the skin, tendons, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue.

corticosteroid

Corticosteroids, often known as steroids, are an anti-inflammatory medicine

cryosurgery

surgery in which diseased or abnormal tissue (as a tumor or wart) is destroyed or removed by freezing (as by the use of liquid nitrogen)

curettage

surgical scraping, usually of the lining of a body cavity, to clean it of foreign matter, to remove tumours or other growths or diseased tissue

cuticle

A layer of solid or semisolid tissue that covers the free surface of a layer of epithelial cells.

cyanosis

Cyanosis is the medical term for when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood.

cyst

 A closed sac or pouch with a definite wall, containing fluid, semifluid, or solid material.

debridement

Debridement is a procedure for treating a wound in the skin

dermabrasion

surgical removal of skin blemishes or imperfections (such as scars or tattoos) by abrasion (as with sandpaper or wire brushes)

dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails

dermatology technician

Dermatology Technician provides supportive patient care functions for Dermatology and other assigned clinical area, under the supervision of a Physician, Registered Nurse, or Licensed Vocational Nurse,

dermatoplasty

Plastic surgery of the skin, especially the use of skin grafts.

dermis

Your dermis is the middle layer of skin in your body.

ecchymosis

Ecchymosis” is the medical term for bruises

eczema

also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 30 percent of the U.S. population, mostly children and adolescents. It is a chronic disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched.

epidermis

The protective outer layer of the skin (The top layer)

epithelial tissue

The term "epithelium" refers to layers of cells that line hollow organs and glands.

excisional biopsy

also called a wide local incision, involves surgical removal of a tumor and some normal tissue around it.

exfoliative cytology

Exfoliative cytology means scraping the surface of a possible skin cancer with a knife and then spreading a small layer of the scrape onto a glass slide so that the cells in the scrape can be stained and looked at under a microscope

first-degree burn

A skin burn characterized by superficial epidermal lesions; erythema, or redness; hyperesthesia, or increased sensitivity, especially to touch; and no blisters.

fissure

A cleft or groove. A fissure can be normal or abnormal. A fissure in the cerebral cortex is a normal feature. It is a deep fold that involves the entire thickness of the brain wall. A fissure in the anus is abnormal.

gangrene

Gangrene is death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection. Gangrene commonly affects the arms and legs, including the toes and fingers.

gland

a cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin that selectively removes materials from the blood, concentrates or alters them, and secretes them for further use in the body or for elimination from the body.

hair follicles

the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment.

hair shaft

the part of a hair projecting beyond the surface of the skin.

immunosuppressant

Immunosuppressants are drugs that prevent your immune system from attacking healthy cells and tissues by mistake. Healthcare providers prescribe immunosuppressants to treat certain autoimmune diseases and prevent organ or stem cell transplant rejection.

impetigo

Impetigo is a common infection of the superficial layers of the epidermis that is highly contagious and most commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria. It most commonly presents as erythematous plaques with a yellow crust and may be itchy or painful. The lesions are highly contagious and spread easily.

incision and drainage (I&D)

Incision and drainage (I&D) is a widely used procedure in various care settings, including emergency departments and outpatient clinics. It is the primary treatment for skin and soft tissue abscesses, with or without adjunctive antibiotic therapy.

incisional biopsy

An incisional biopsy is when a small cut (incision) is made into an area of abnormal tissue and a small piece of it is removed from the body. The piece of tissue that has been removed (biopsy sample) is then sent off to the laboratory for analysis.

integumentary system

The integumentary system is the largest organ of the body that forms a physical barrier between the external environment and the internal environment that it serves to protect and maintain. The integumentary system includes the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, associated glands, hair, and nails

intradermal skin test

Intradermal allergy testing is another method of skin testing to help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. The test involves injection of a small amount of the suspected allergen under the surface of the skin. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site.

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Summary. Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, in lymph nodes, or in other organs. These patches, or lesions, are usually red or purple. They are made of cancer cells, blood vessels, and blood cells.

keloid

A keloid is a growth of extra scar tissue. It occurs where the skin has healed after an injury.

keratin

Keratin: A protein found in the upper layer of the skin, hair, and nails, and in animal horns.

laser therapy

Laser therapy is a medical treatment that uses a strong beam of light to cut, burn, or destroy tissue. The term LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

lesions, cancerous

A Lesion is a CELL PATHOLOGICAL ABNORMALITY. A Lesion is an area of abnormal TISSUE. A Lesion may be: benign (not cancer) or. malignant (cancer).

lipectomy

 the excision of subcutaneous fatty tissue especially as a cosmetic surgical procedure.

lipids

Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. They're part of your cell membranes and help control what goes in and out of your cells. They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins and making hormones.

lipocytes

Lipocytes are fat cells. They are found in the subcutaneous layer of the skin.

liposuction

Liposuction is a type of surgery. It uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes these areas. That process is called contouring. Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring

lunula

The lunula is the visible portion of the distal nail matrix that extends beyond the proximal nailfold. It is white, half-moon-shaped, appears by week 14 of gestation, has unique histologic features. The lunula has a primary structural role in defining the free edge of the distal nail plate.

macule

A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin. It usually does not include a change in skin texture or thickness. The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system.

malignant melanoma

Malignant Melanoma is a common skin cancer that arises from the melanin cells within the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) or from similar cells that may be found in moles (nevi). This type of skin cancer may send down roots into deeper layers of the skin.

melanin

Melanin is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation. The more melanin you produce, the darker your eyes, hair and skin will be. The amount of melanin in your body depends on a few different factors, including genetics and how much sun exposure your ancestral population had.

melanocytes

 A cell in the skin that produces and contains the pigment melanin.

Mohs surgery

What is Mohs surgery? Mohs surgery is a method for treating skin cancer lesions. During this procedure, the surgeon removes thin layers of skin one layer at a time and examines each layer under a microscope to determine if any cancer remains. This procedure continues until only cancer-free tissue remains.

mucous membrane

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Just as skin lines and protects the outside of the body, mucous membranes line and protect the inside of your body. You can find mucous membranes inside your nose, mouth, lungs, and many other parts of the body. Mucous membranes make mucus, which keeps them moist.

nail plate

Fingernails and toenails are made from skin cells. Structures that are made from skin cells are called skin appendages. Hairs are also skin appendages. The part that we call the nail is technically known as the “nail plate.” The nail plate is mostly made of a hard substance called keratin.

nail root

Nail root: The root of the nail is also known as the germinal matrix. Its edge appears as a white crescent, known as the lunula. The root portion of this nail lies below the skin, underneath the nail, and extends several millimeters into the finger. It produces most of the volume of the nail and the nail bed.

nails

The nail is an infolding of skin that occurs at the terminal end of each digit, creating four specialized components: proximal nail fold, matrix, nail bed, and hyponychium

needle biopsy

A needle biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of cells from your body for laboratory testing. Common needle biopsy procedures include fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy. Needle biopsy may be used to take tissue or fluid samples from muscles, bones, and other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

nevus

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is the medical term for sharply circumscribed\[1\] and chronic lesions of the skin or mucosa. These lesions are commonly named birthmarks or beauty marks. Nevi are benign by definition.

nodule

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is the medical term for sharply circumscribed\[1\] and chronic lesions of the skin or mucosa. These lesions are commonly named birthmarks or beauty marks. Nevi are benign by definition.

oral drugs

Oral drug use is a method of taking substances through the mouth. Many different medications and drugs are taken orally

papule

A papule is a solid or cystic raised spot on the skin that is less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It is a type of skin lesion.

perspiration

The term perspiration is commonly used in medicine and science in general to refer to sweat or the act of sweating

petechia

 a minute reddish or purplish spot containing blood that appears in skin or mucous membrane as a result of localized hemorrhage.

polyp

A polyp is a projecting growth of tissue from a surface in the body, usually a mucous membrane. Polyps can develop in the: colon and rectum. ear canal.

psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly

punch biopsy

A punch biopsy is a diagnostic test where a small, tube-shaped piece of skin and some other tissue underneath are removed using a sharp cutting tool.

purpura

Purpura occurs when small blood vessels leak blood under the skin.

pustule

 a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base.

rhytidectomy

Rhytidectomy, also known as face lifting, is a surgical procedure aiming to reposition facial soft tissues to achieve a more youthful and harmonious appearance

scabies

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash. 

Scabies

Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash.

sclerotherapy

the injection of a sclerosing agent (as morrhuate sodium) into a varicose vein to produce inflammation and scarring which closes the lumen and is followed by shrinkage.

scratch test

a test for allergic susceptibility made by rubbing an extract of an allergy-producing substance into small breaks or scratches in the skin compare intradermal test, patch test, prick test.

sebaceous glands

Sebaceous glands are an organ in your skin that make and secrete sebum.

sebum

Sebum is an oily substance produced in the sebaceous glands.

second-degree burn

Skin burn characterized by epidermal and dermal lesions, erythema, blisters, and hyperesthesia

squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the outermost part of the epidermis (skin surface) or the surface of certain portions of the body (areas of the head and neck or genitalia) known as squamous cells.

stratified squamous epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium: This type of epithelium usually has protective functions, including protection against microorganisms from invading underlying tissue and/or protection against water loss. The outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) is made of stratified squamous epithelial cells.

subcutaneous layer

The subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis or superficial fascia, is the layer of tissue that underlies the skin. The terms originate from subcutaneous in Latin and hypoderm in Greek, both of which mean “beneath the skin,” as it is the deepest layer that rests just above the deep fascia.

sweat glands

Sweat glands, also known as sudoriferous or sudoriparous glands, from Latin sudor 'sweat', are small tubular structures of the skin that produce sweat

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.

third-degree burn

Skin burn in which the epidermis and dermis are destroyed; this type of burn produces severe hyperesthesia or anesthesia (numbness), depending on the degree of nerve damage

tinea

Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin. Tinea is also known as ringworm. This is because it can cause red patches on the skin in the shape of rings. But it's not caused by worms. It's caused by different types of fungi.

topical drugs

A topical medication is a medication that is applied to a particular place on or in the body.

transdermal drugs

Transdermal drug administration refers to substances that are absorbed through the skin. 

ulcer

An open sore that forms on an epithelial surface, e.g., the skin, the mucous membranes, or the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, marked by inflammation, necrosis, and sloughing of damaged tissues.