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Integumentray System Terminology
Body Foundations
73
Other
Not Applicable
10/10/2025

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Cards

Term
a-, an-
Definition
The absence of sweating, which cart result from damage to sweat glands, certain medications or neurological disorders, potentially leading to overheating or heatstroke
Term
bi
Definition
Pertaining to both sides, such as a bilateral rash that appears symmetrically on both sides of the body, often associated with systemic conditions like lupus.
Term
dia-
Definition
Excessive sweating, which may be a symptom of fever, physical exertion, or underlying conditions like hyperthyroidism or a heart attack.
Term
dys-
Definition
Abnormal development or growth of tissue, often referring to precancerous changes in the skin or mucous membranes, such as cervical dysplasia
Term
epi-
Definition
The outermost layer of the skin, which acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage, pathogens, and water loss.
Term
hyper-
Definition
 Thickening of the skin’s outer layer due to excessive keratin production, often seen in conditions like psoriasis, calluses, or warts.
Term
hypo-
Definition
Pertaining to beneath the skin, often used to describe injections administered into the subcutaneous tissue for rapid absorption of medications.
Term
intra-
Definition
Within the layers of the skin, as in intradermal injections used for allergy testing or tuberculosis screening.
Term
meta-
Definition
Transformation of tissue from one type to another, such as the conversion of normal skin cells to a tougher type after chronic irritation or injury.
Term
neo-
Definition
A new growth of abnormal tissue, which can be benign (like a mole) or malignant (like melanoma), requiring medical evaluation for treatment
Term
para-
Definition
Inflammation around a nail, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infection, leading to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Term
para-
Definition
Inflammation around a nail, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infection, leading to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Term
per-
Definition
Through the skin, often referring to medical procedures such as percutaneous biopsies or drug administration through patches.
Term
pro-
Definition
 Referring to the early symptoms that occur before a disease becomes fully evident, such as tingling before a herpes outbreak or fever before a rash in measles.
Term
sub-
Definition
Located beneath the skin, as in the subcutaneous fat layer that provides insulation and cushioning to the body.
Term
trans-
Definition
Referring to medications applied to the skin that are absorbed into the bloodstream, such as transdermal nicotine patches or hormone replacement therapy.
Term
-ad
Definition
Toward the head, commonly used to describe directional movement or anatomical orientation.
Term
-al
Definition
Pertaining to the skin, particularly the dermis layer, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Term
-coccus
Definition
A type of berry-shaped bacterium that can cause skin infections such as boils, abscesses, or cellulitis.
Term
-cyte
Definition
 A pigment-producing cell in the skin responsible for producing melanin, which protects against UV radiation
Term
-ectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of fat, often performed for cosmetic reasons or to address localized fat deposits
Term
-gen
Definition
An agent, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus, that causes diseases, including skin infections like impetigo
Term
-genic
Definition
 Producing cancer, often describing substances like UV rays or tobacco that can lead to skin or other cancers
Term
-ia
Definition
A condition of hair loss that autoimmune diseases, genetic factors, or treatments like chemotherapy can cause
Term
-itis
Definition
 Inflammation of the skin, which may result from allergic reactions, irritants, or infections
Term
-logist
Definition
 A medical specialist who diagnoses and treats skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and skin cancer
Term
-logy
Definition
The study of the skin, including its structure, function, and diseases
Term
-malacia
Definition
Softening of the nails, which can occur due to fungal infections or malnutrition
Term
-oid
Definition
Resembling yellow, often describing yellowish discolorations of the skin or lesions
Term
-oma
Definition
A benign tumor composed of fatty tissue, often found under the skin
Term
-opsy
Definition
The process of removing tissue samples for microscopic examination to diagnose skin cancer or other diseases
Term
-osis
Definition
A condition characterized by widespread redness and peeling of the skin, often linked to disorders such as eczema or psoriasis
Term
-ous
Definition
Pertaining to sebum or oil, such as the sebaceous glands that produce skin oil
Term
-pathy
Definition
A disease of the skin, including conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Term
-plasia
Definition
 Excessive growth of cells or tissues, which may lead to benign skin growths
Term
-plasty
Definition
A surgical procedure to repair or reshape the eyelids, often performed to remove excess skin or correct drooping eyelids for functional or cosmetic purpose
Term
-rrhea
Definition
Excessive secretion of sebum, leading to oily skin and dandruff
Term
-rrhea
Definition
Excessive bleeding, which may occur externally or internally
Term
-stasis
Definition
The stopping of blood flow, critical in wound healing
Term
-tome
Definition
An instrument used to cut thin slices of skin for grafting or diagnostic purposes
Term
aden/o
Definition
A benign tumor of a gland, often found in areas such as the adrenal glands, sebaceous glands, thyroid, or pituitary gland. These tumors are typically noncancerous but may affect gland function
Term
adip/o
Definition
 A fat cell that stores energy in the form of lipids, found primarily in subcutaneous tissue and around internal organs
Term
albin/o
Definition
A genetic condition characterized by the absence of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, leading to increased sensitivity to sunlight and vision issues
Term
aut/o
Definition
 A graft of tissue taken from the patient’s own body, often used in burn treatments or reconstructive surgery to minimize rejection
Term
bi/o
Definition
The use of living organisms or biologically derived treatments to aid in the treatment of skin conditions, such as using probiotics for acne or biologic drugs for psoriasis
Term
cry/o
Definition
 A treatment using extreme cold, such as liquid nitrogen, to remove abnormal tissues like warts or precancerous skin lesions
Term
crypt/o
Definition
A condition or disease of unknown origin, often referring to conditions like cryptogenic cirrhosis or cryptogenic stroke
Term
cutane/o
Definition
 Inflammation of the skin caused by irritants, allergens, or infections, resulting in redness, itching, and swelling
Term
cyan/o
Definition
A bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood, commonly seen in respiratory or cardiac conditions
Term
erythr/o
Definition
Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to superficial capillaries, often due to irritation, sunburn, or infections
Term
hidr/o
Definition
The production and excretion of sweat, which can be excessive (hyperhidrosis) or reduced (anhidrosis), depending on the condition
Term
kerat/o
Definition
 A condition characterized by the breakdown or shedding of the outer keratin layer of the skin, commonly seen in conditions like pitted keratolysis, which affects the feet and causes odor and pitting
Term
lip/o
Definition
The localized loss of fat tissue beneath the skin, which can occur due to repeated injections, medication use, or underlying medical conditions
Term
melan/o
Definition
 A serious type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for skin color, and is often linked to excessive UV exposure
Term
myc/o
Definition
A fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm, which can affect the skin, nails, or other body parts
Term
onych/o
Definition
Referring to something located beneath the nail, such as a subungual hematoma, which occurs when blood collects under the nail due to injury or trauma, often causing discoloration and pressure
Term
pil/o
Definition
 A psychological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair, often resulting in noticeable hair loss
Term
xanth/o
Definition
 A yellowish, fatty deposit under the skin, often associated with high cholesterol or lipid disorders
Term

AT = Alopecia Totalis

Definition
A rare autoimmune condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Alopecia totalis is more severe than alopecia areata, which involves patchy hair loss
Term

BCC = Basal Cell Carcinoma

Definition
The most common type of skin cancer that arises from basal cells in the epidermis. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat lesion, or a sore that does not heal, typically on sun-exposed areas of the skin
Term

CD = Contact Dermatitis

Definition
  • An inflammatory skin condition caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blisters. There are two types:

  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by substances like soaps or chemicals.

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Caused by allergens like poison ivy or nickel

Term

I&D = Incision and Drainage; Irrigation and Debridement

Definition
  • Incision and Drainage: A minor surgical procedure used to treat abscesses or infected cysts. It involves making an incision to allow pus or fluid to drain.

  • Irrigation and Debridement: A procedure to clean a wound or infected area by washing (irrigation) and removing damaged tissue or debris (debridement) to promote healing

Term

MM = Malignant Melanoma

Definition
A serious type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin). It can appear as a new mole or change in an existing mole. MM is aggressive and can metastasize quickly if not treated early. The "ABCDE" rule helps in recognizing melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or color
Term

MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Definition
A drug-resistant bacterial infection commonly associated with healthcare settings but also found in the community. It often causes skin and soft tissue infections, which may appear as red, swollen, painful bumps or abscesses. Severe cases can lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or surgical site infections. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics and infection control measures is crucial to prevent complications
Term

NF = Necrotizing Fasciitis

Definition
A rare but severe bacterial infection, often referred to as "flesh-eating disease." It destroys skin, fat, and muscle tissues. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, fever, and skin discoloration. Rapid treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissue is critical to prevent life-threatening complications
Term

PDT = Photodynamic Therapy

Definition
A treatment that uses light-sensitive medication (photosensitizer) and a specific type of light to destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. PDT is commonly used for skin conditions like actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and acne. It minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Term

Ps = Psoriasis

Definition
A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in scaly patches, redness, and inflammation. Psoriasis often occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It has several types, including plaque psoriasis (most common), guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis
Term

SCD = Scleroderma

Definition
A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. SCD can be localized (affecting only the skin) or systemic (affecting internal organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys). Symptoms may include skin thickening, Raynaud's phenomenon, and joint pain
Term

SCC = Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Definition
A common type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells of the epidermis. SCC often develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and hands. It may appear as a scaly red patch, open sore, or thickened growth. Unlike BCC, SCC is more likely to spread if untreated
Term

SLE = Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Definition
A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. In the integumentary system, SLE often causes a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, sensitivity to sunlight, and hair loss. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and inflammation throughout the body
Term
TEN = Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Definition
  • A life-threatening skin condition involving widespread peeling and epidermal detachment, often triggered by severe drug reactions.
Term

Kaposi's Sarcoma

Definition
A rare form of cancer affecting blood vessels, presenting as purple, red, or brown lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. Identifying Kaposi’s sarcoma can help in diagnosing underlying immune deficiencies.
Term

Langer's Lines

Definition
Natural tension lines in the skin that indicate the direction of underlying collagen fibers. These lines are crucial for surgeons to minimize scarring and optimize healing when making incisions
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