Skin: Glossary

A

a.k.a.

short for also known as

acne

skin disease often experienced by teenagers - also called pimples

B

bacteria

microscopic life

beneficial

helpful

C

collagen

a protein that connects cells together

constricting

tightening

D

dehydration

loss of body fluids

dermis

inner layer of skin

E

epidermis

outer layer of skin

F

freckles

darker spots on the skin

G

gland

an organ which produces and releases substances that perform a specific function in the body. In the skin, there are sweat glands and oil glands

H

hypodermis

the deepest layer of the skin, subcutaneous layer

I

infection

illness brought on by microscopic life forms

integumentary system

the system that acts as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world, comprised of skin, hair, nails and glands

K

keratin

a protein found in hair, fingernails, hooves, horns

M

melanin

the coloring found in skin, hair, feathers, fur, etc.

N

nervous system

the complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body

O

organ

tissues that work to perform a specific function in your body – examples are brain, heart, lungs

organ system

a group of organs that work together, as in the digestive system or cardiovascular system

P

pharmacy

store where medications are sold

pigment

coloring

R

rash

a reaction to something that makes skin red and itchy

S

scar

a mark left on skin after an injury heals

sebaceous glands

oil glands of the body

sebum

body oil

subcutaneous

anything lying under the skin

sunscreen

lotion used to prevent sunburn

T

temperature

hot or cold - measured in Fahrenheit or Celsius

tissues

a collection of similar related cells

U

unique

the only one of its kind, different from all others

UV

ultra violet rays of the sun that cause sunburn

W

waterproof

is not damaged by water