The document discusses terms related to the integumentary system. It defines the integumentary system as the skin and its accessory organs including sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, and nails. It then proceeds to define and describe several skin-related medical terms including dermatitis, melanoma, leukoderma, onychophagia, and paronychia.

1. The Integumentary System:selection of terms Lee Gregory Bio 120 – Chapter 3 June 15, 2010

2. The integumentary system The skin and its accessory organs ; the sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair and nails make up the integumentary system. The skin provides a protective two way barrier between the outside world and the bodies inner environment. The skin plays an important role in temperature regulation , houses sensory receptors and secretes important fluids.

3. Dematitis – derma /skin, -it is/inflamation Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin.

4. Melanoma – melan/black, oma/tumor Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma can also form in the eyes and, rarely, in internal organs, such as the intestines.

5. Melanoma The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases the risk of developing melanoma. Other factors, such as genetic makeup, likely also play a role.

6. Melanoma Prevention Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is detected early. Limit sun exposure and make sure to know the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before the cancer has a chance to spread.

7. Leukoderma – leuko/white, derma/skin Leukoderma is the name given to white patches on the skin. These patches are due to the partial or total loss of skin pigmentation. There are many causes of leukoderma including; congenital, immunological, post-inflammatory, infection, occupational/chemical. Vitiligo is a specific type of leukoderma and is often, although incorrectly, used interchangeably with the term leukoderma.

8. Onychophagia-onycho/nail, -phagia/eating Bitten fingertips can be very sensitive and painful, usually at the place the skin meets the edge of the nail. Hangnails are broken skin on the cuticles. Improperly removed, they are susceptible to microbial and viral infections. Saliva may then redden and infect the skin.

9. Paronychia – para/beside, onychia/nail Paronychia is an infection that develops along the edge of the nail. It is the most common hand infection and, if left untreated, can progress to a more severe infection of the entire finger or toe. Paronychias are most often caused by common skin bacteria entering the skin around the nail that has been damaged by trauma, such as nail biting, finger sucking, dishwashing, or chemical irritants. Fungus also can be a cause of paronychia formation.

10. Sources www.mayoclinic.org www.emedicine.com www.webmd.com www.wikipedia.com Fremgen and Frucht.Medical Terminology: A Living Language. 4th ed. Prentice Hall Publishing, 2009.