Integumentary System Key Terms
What is albino
An absence of color pigments.
What is alopecia
Baldness, or a permanent loss of hair.
What is constrict
To get smaller (in reference to blood vessels when heat is lost).
What are crusts
Areas of dried pus and blood, commonly called scabs.
What is cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by insufficient oxygen.
What is a cyst
A closed sac with a distinct membrane that develops abnormally in a body structure; usually filled with a semi-solid or liquid substance.
What is dermis
Also called the corium, it is the layer of skin directly beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles.
What is dilate
To get larger (in reference to blood vessels when excess heat is retained).
What is the epidermis
The outermost layer of skin.
What is erythema
A reddish color of the skin caused by either burns or a congestion of blood in the vessels.
What is the hypodermis
The innermost layer of skin, also called the subcutaneous fascia or subcutaneous layer.
What is the integumentary system
The skin, which is a membrane or organ that covers the body.
What is jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin, indicating bile in the blood as a result of liver or gallbladder disease.
What are macules
Flat spots on the skin, such as freckles
What is melanin
A brownish-black pigment produced by the epidermis that absorbs ultraviolet light and determines skin color.
What are papules.
Firm, raised areas on the skin, such as pimples and the eruptions seen in some stages of chickenpox
What are pustules
Pus-filled sacs such as those seen in acne or pimples.
What are sebaceous glands
Oil glands that usually open onto a hair follicle
What is subcutaneous
Pertaining to the layer beneath the dermis; another term for the hypodermis or subcutaneous fascia
What are sudoriferous glands
Sweat Glands
What is ulcer
A deep loss of skin surface that may extend into the dermis; may cause periodic bleeding and the formation of scars.
What are vesicles
Blisters, or fluid-filled sacs, such as those seen in chickenpox.
What are wheals
Itchy, elevated areas with an irregular shape, such as hives and insect bites.