The Skin: English Vocabulary List

(anatomy) the outer layer of the skin that overlays the dermis

"The epidermis is the outer layer."

"The epidermis protects the body from the environment."

the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue

"The dermis contains blood vessels nerves."

"The dermis layer of the skin contains blood vessels nerve endings and hair follicles deep beneath the surface."

the deepest layer of the skin that contains fat cells, blood vessels, and nerves

"The hypodermis stores fat tissue."

"The hypodermis is the deepest skin layer that stores fat and provides insulation."

a layer of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) composed of keratinocytes that play a role in the skin's barrier function and provide structural support to the skin

"The stratum spinosum provides skin strength."

"The stratum spinosum gets its name from the spiny appearance of its cells under a microscope."

a layer of the epidermis characterized by granular cells that produce keratin

"The stratum granulosum produces skin waterproofing."

"The stratum granulosum contains granules that help form the waterproof barrier of the skin."

a translucent layer of the epidermis found in thick skin regions of the body

"The stratum lucidum exists in thick skin."

"The stratum lucidum is a clear layer of skin found only on the palms and soles."

the outermost layer of the skin consisting of dead cells forming a protective barrier

"The stratum corneum is dead skin layer."

"The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of dead skin cells that constantly shed off."

the top layer of the skin's second layer (dermis) and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, contributing to the skin's structure and sensitivity to touch

"The papillary dermis supplies nutrients to epidermis."

"The papillary dermis has finger like projections that interlock with the epidermis above it."

the bottom layer of the skin's dermis that gives the skin strength, elasticity, and contains structures like sweat glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels

"The reticular dermis gives skin toughness."

"The reticular dermis contains thick collagen fibers that give the skin its strength and elasticity."

a small tubular structure that carries sweat from the sweat glands to the skin's surface

"The sweat duct carries sweat upward."

"The sweat duct carries sweat from the sweat gland up to the surface of the skin."

a type of skin cell that produces the protein keratin, which is an important component of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin)

"Keratinocytes produce protective keratin protein."

"Keratinocytes produce the protein keratin which makes skin tough and waterproof."

a skin cell responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines skin, hair, and eye color

"Melanocytes produce skin pigment melanin."

"Melanocytes produce melanin pigment which protects skin from UV radiation and determines skin color."

a type of immune cell found in the skin's epidermis that plays a role in defending against foreign substances and pathogens, helping to regulate the immune response in the skin

"Langerhans cells fight skin infections."

"Langerhans cells are immune cells in the skin that help fight infections and alert the body."

a specialized cell found in the skin's epidermis that is involved in the perception of touch and pressure, serving as sensory receptors

"Merkel cells sense light touch."

"Merkel cells sense light touch and help you feel gentle pressure on your skin."

a small structure in the skin that produces and supports the growth of hair

"The hair follicle grows hair."

"Each hair grows from a tiny root structure called a hair follicle deep in the skin."

the layer of fat beneath the skin that provides insulation, cushioning, and energy storage in the body

"Subcutaneous fat insulates the body."

"Subcutaneous fat acts as insulation and padding to protect your internal organs from injury."

a layer of dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail

"The cuticle protects the nail root."

"The cuticle is the thin layer of dead skin that covers and protects the base of the nail."

a protective fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis in males or the clitoral hood in females

"The foreskin covers the penis head."

"The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the head of the penis in uncircumcised males."

the skin under one's hair, covering the head

"The scalp is sensitive."

"He scratched his dry scalp because it was itchy from the cold winter weather and lack of moisture in the heated air."