Think you've got what it takes to ace the integumentary system quiz? This free, interactive challenge invites students, healthcare enthusiasts, and lifelong learners to dive into a fun yet rigorous quiz on the integumentary system. You'll gain instant feedback on each answer and strengthen your clinical vocabulary while preparing for exams and clinical practice. Explore key integumentary medical term roots, prefixes, and suffixes; practice identifying precise definitions; and test your skills on skin layers, hair, nails, and glands. Delve deeper with a focused look at integumentary root word origins or put your knowledge to the test with real integumentary system questions . Get started now and boost your confidence in medical terminology integumentary system today.
What combining form refers to the skin?
Dermat/o
Cardi/o
Nephr/o
Arthr/o
The combining form "dermat/o" denotes the skin and is used in terms like dermatology (study of the skin). It originates from the Greek word "derma." See more at MedicineNet: Dermatology.
Which suffix means "study of"?
-itis
-ectomy
-logy
-pathy
The suffix "-logy" means "study of" or "science of," as in dermatology (study of skin). It comes from the Greek "-logia." Learn more at Healthline: Medical Suffixes & Prefixes.
What prefix means "above" or "on top of"?
Hypo-
Epi-
Sub-
Inter-
The prefix "epi-" means "above" or "upon," as seen in epidermis (the outer layer of skin). It comes from the Greek "epi." More at MedicineNet: Prefix Epi-.
Which combining form means "red"?
Melan/o
Cyan/o
Erythr/o
Leuk/o
The combining form "erythr/o" means "red," as in erythroderma (red skin). It derives from the Greek "erythros." See details at Healthline: Erythema.
Which combining form refers to the lip?
Gastr/o
Lip/o
Hepat/o
Ocul/o
The combining form "lip/o" means "fat" or "lipid," but in some contexts it can be confused with lips; the specific combining form for lip is actually cheil/o. However, lip/o is often mistakenly cited. See correct roots at Mayo Clinic: Lip Root Words.
What suffix means "surgical removal"?
-itis
-ectomy
-algia
-plasty
The suffix "-ectomy" denotes surgical removal, as in tonsillectomy. It comes from the Greek "ektom?." More at Healthline: -ectomy.
Which prefix means "under" or "below"?
Hyper-
Sub-
Trans-
Peri-
The prefix "sub-" means "under" or "below," as in subcutaneous (under the skin). It derives from Latin. See more at MedicineNet: Subcutaneous.
Which combining form means "sweat"?
Hidr/o
Py/o
Lip/o
Dermat/o
The combining form "hidr/o" refers to sweat, as in hidrosis (sweating). It comes from the Greek "hidr?s." See details at Healthline: Hidrosis.
Which suffix means "disease"?
-plasia
-pathy
-gram
-scope
The suffix "-pathy" means "disease" or "suffering," as in dermopathy (skin disease). It is derived from Greek. See more at MedicineNet: Dermopathy.
What combining form refers to the nail?
Onych/o
Urin/o
Nas/o
Opthalm/o
The combining form "onych/o" refers to the nail, as in onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail). It comes from Greek. More at Healthline: Onychomycosis.
Which combining form means "hair"?
Trich/o
Cyt/o
Oste/o
Hemat/o
The combining form "trich/o" refers to hair, as in trichology (study of hair). It comes from the Greek "thrix." See more at MedicineNet: Trichology.
Which combining form means "fat"?
Lip/o
My/o
Gastr/o
Neur/o
The combining form "lip/o" means "fat," as in lipoma (fatty tumor). It is derived from Greek. More at Healthline: Lipoma.
What suffix means "small"?
-oma
-ule
-itis
-megaly
The suffix "-ule" means "small" or "little," as in vesicle (small blister) sometimes called vesicule. It comes from Latin. See more at MedicineNet: Vesicle.
Which combining form means "dry"?
Xer/o
Hydr/o
Therm/o
Bar/o
The combining form "xer/o" means "dry," as in xerosis (abnormal dryness of the skin). It is from Greek. More at Healthline: Xeroderma.
Which combining form means "black"?
Chlor/o
Melan/o
Leuk/o
Rubr/o
The combining form "melan/o" means "black," as in melanoma (black tumor). It comes from the Greek "melas." See details at American Cancer Society: Melanoma.
Which prefix means "between"?
Inter-
Intra-
Peri-
Retro-
The prefix "inter-" means "between," as in intertrigo (inflammation between body folds). It is from Latin. More at MedicineNet: Intertrigo.
What is the medical term for inflammation of the skin?
Dermatitis
Myositis
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin and can be caused by irritants or allergens. The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation. More at Healthline: Dermatitis.
Which skin layer lies directly below the epidermis?
Hypodermis
Dermis
Stratum corneum
Subcutaneous tissue
The dermis is the layer directly beneath the epidermis, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The hypodermis lies beneath the dermis. See Mayo Clinic: Skin Layers.
Which cells produce keratin in the skin?
Melanocytes
Keratinocytes
Langerhans cells
Fibroblasts
Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis and produce keratin, a protective protein. Melanocytes produce melanin. More at Healthline: Keratinocytes.
Where are melanocytes found?
Dermis
Hypodermis
Basal layer of epidermis
Stratum corneum
Melanocytes reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and produce melanin pigment. They protect against UV damage. See NCI: Melanocytes Fact Sheet.
What does hyperkeratosis mean?
Weakened skin
Excessive keratin buildup
Loss of pigmentation
Inflammation of sweat glands
Hyperkeratosis denotes an abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum due to excessive keratin. It's often seen in calluses. Read more at Healthline: Hyperkeratosis.
Which suffix means "formation" or "growth"?
-plasia
-stasis
-lysis
-megaly
The suffix "-plasia" refers to formation or growth of tissue, as in hyperplasia (increased cell production). From Greek "plasis." See MedicineNet: -plasia.
What is an abrasion?
Deep cut
Superficial scraping injury
Bruise
Burn
An abrasion is a superficial wound where the skin is scraped off. It only affects the epidermis. More at Healthline: Abrasion.
What term describes excessive sweating?
Anhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis
Dyshidrosis
Hidradenitis
Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormally excessive sweating. It can affect specific areas like palms. Learn more at WebMD: Hyperhidrosis.
Which combining form means "fungus"?
Psor/o
Myc/o
Derm/o
Xanth/o
The combining form "myc/o" means "fungus," as in mycosis (fungal infection). It comes from Greek "mykes." See Healthline: Mycosis.
What is debridement?
Skin graft procedure
Removal of dead tissue
Chemical peel
Skin biopsy
Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote wound healing. It can be surgical or enzymatic. Read more at Mayo Clinic: Debridement.
What is ecchymosis?
Small pinpoint hemorrhages
Large skin bruise
Inflamed sweat gland
Small skin cyst
Ecchymosis is the medical term for a bruise or skin discoloration caused by blood leaking under the skin. It is larger than petechiae. More at Healthline: Ecchymosis.
Which prefix means "away from" or "without"?
De-
Pro-
Re-
Pre-
The prefix "de-" means "down, away from, or reverse," often implying removal, as in dehydrate. See MedicineNet: Prefix De-.
What does the suffix "-osis" mean?
Inflammation
Condition or disease
Cancerous tumor
Surgical incision
The suffix "-osis" indicates a condition, often abnormal or disease-related, such as halitosis. It originates from Greek. More at Healthline: -osis.
What term describes a yellowish skin discoloration caused by bile pigments?
Cyanosis
Xerosis
Jaundice
Erythroderma
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin. It indicates liver or hemolytic disorders. See Healthline: Jaundice.
Which condition is characterized by depigmented patches of skin?
Vitiligo
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Eczema
Vitiligo causes loss of melanocytes in patches, leading to depigmented skin areas. Its exact cause is autoimmune. Read more at AAD: Vitiligo.
Which term refers to a small, raised lesion containing pus?
Macule
Papule
Pustule
Vesicle
A pustule is a small, circumscribed, elevated lesion filled with pus, as in acne. It differs from a vesicle which contains clear fluid. More at Mayo Clinic: Pustule.
What is the name of the protein that waterproofs the skin?
Collagen
Elastin
Keratin
Melanin
Keratin is a fibrous protein in the epidermis that provides a waterproof barrier. It also contributes to hair and nails. See NCBI: Keratin.
Which gland type secretes sebum into hair follicles?
Eccrine sweat glands
Apocrine sweat glands
Sebaceous glands
Ceruminous glands
Sebaceous glands secrete oily sebum into hair follicles to lubricate skin and hair. They are holocrine glands. More at Healthline: Sebaceous Glands.
What is scleroderma?
Autoimmune thickening of skin
Fungal infection
Deep tissue ulcer
Bacterial rash
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin due to collagen overproduction. See Rheumatology.org.
What is the pilosebaceous unit?
Epidermis plus dermis
Hair follicle and sebaceous gland
Sweat gland and blood vessel
Melanocyte and keratinocyte
The pilosebaceous unit consists of the hair follicle, hair shaft, arrector pili muscle, and sebaceous gland. It plays a role in acne. More at NCBI: Pilosebaceous Unit.
Which condition is characterized by fish-scale like skin?
Ichthyosis
Psoriasis
Eczema
Vitiligo
Ichthyosis refers to a group of disorders with dry, scaly skin resembling fish scales. It can be inherited or acquired. See DermNet NZ: Ichthyosis.
What layer of skin contains the Meissner’s corpuscles?
Stratum basale
Papillary dermis
Reticular dermis
Hypodermis
Meissner’s corpuscles are tactile receptors found in the papillary layer of the dermis, responsible for light touch sensation. More at Britannica: Meissner’s Corpuscle.
Which term describes excessive hair growth in women in a male pattern?
Hirsutism
Alopecia
Hypertrichosis
Trichotillomania
Hirsutism is excessive, male-pattern hair growth on women, often due to hormonal imbalance. Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth all over. See Healthline: Hirsutism.
What is a dermatome in anatomy?
Skin area supplied by a spinal nerve
Layer of epidermis
Part of hair follicle
Type of skin lesion
A dermatome is an area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve root. It's important in neurological exams. More at Physio-Pedia: Dermatome.
Which pigment protects skin from ultraviolet light?
Carotene
Melanin
Hemoglobin
Bilirubin
Melanin absorbs and dissipates UV radiation, protecting deeper tissues from damage. Increased exposure leads to tanning. See NCBI: Melanin.
What term describes inflammation of the sweat glands?
Hidradenitis
Hidrosis
Adnexitis
Dermatitis
Hidradenitis refers to inflammation of sweat glands, often seen in hidradenitis suppurativa. It causes painful nodules. See NIAMS: Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Which combining form refers specifically to oil or fat in dermatology?
Seb/o
Steat/o
Lip/o
Adip/o
The combining form "seb/o" refers to oil or sebum produced by sebaceous glands. It’s used in terms like seborrhea. More at Healthline: Seborrhea.
What does onycholysis mean?
Nail pigmentation
Separation of nail from bed
Ingrown nail
Nail fungal infection
Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, often due to trauma or infection. See Healthline: Onycholysis.
Which condition is characterized by autoimmune blistering of skin and mucous membranes?
Pemphigus vulgaris
Bullous pemphigoid
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Impetigo
Pemphigus vulgaris causes intraepidermal blisters from autoantibodies against desmoglein. It is life-threatening. More at AAD: Pemphigus Vulgaris.
What is leukoderma?
White patches of skin
Excess melanin
Thickened skin
Oily skin
Leukoderma refers to localized loss of skin pigmentation resulting in white patches. Vitiligo is a type of leukoderma. See DermNet NZ.
Which term describes a fungal infection of the hair shaft?
Tinea corporis
Trichomycosis
Onychomycosis
Tinea pedis
Trichomycosis (piedra) is a fungal infection of the hair shaft caused by yeast or fungi, forming nodules. See NCBI: Piedra.
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Study Outcomes
Identify Root Components -
Recognize common integumentary system root words, prefixes, and suffixes to build accurate medical vocabulary.
Define Integumentary Terms -
Explain key integumentary medical terms and their meanings within clinical and academic contexts.
Differentiate Word Parts -
Distinguish between prefixes, suffixes, and root words specific to the skin and integumentary system.
Apply Terminology Skills -
Use proper medical terminology to answer quiz questions on the integumentary system with confidence.
Analyze Quiz Performance -
Review and interpret quiz results to identify areas of strength and improvement in your integumentary system knowledge.
Recall Skin Structures -
Recall and describe the main structures and functions of the skin using precise medical language.
Cheat Sheet
Skin Layer Root Words -
Understanding the three main layers - epidermis (epi- "above"), dermis (derm/o "skin"), and hypodermis (hypo- "below") - is foundational for the integumentary system quiz. A helpful mnemonic is "EDS" to remember Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous (hypodermis). These roots feature heavily in integumentary medical term questions.
Common Prefixes and Suffixes -
Recognizing prefixes like trans- ("across") and intra- ("within") and suffixes such as -itis ("inflammation") and -oma ("tumor") is key to mastering the quiz on the integumentary system. For instance, dermatitis (dermat/o + -itis) means skin inflammation and melanoma (melan/o + -oma) is a skin tumor. Use the phrase "I TOT" (Inflammation, Tumor) to recall these suffixes quickly.
Combining Forms & Vowels -
Master the rule that connecting vowels (usually "o") join root words and suffixes, as seen in hypodermic (hypo- + derm/o + -ic). Knowing this inside-out is essential for medical terminology integumentary system accuracy. Practicing with terms like trichology (trich/o + -logy "study of hair") reinforces the pattern.
Word-Building Structure -
Most integumentary terms follow the formula: [prefix] + [root word] + [suffix], so break words down during study to decode meaning on the fly. For example, subungual (sub- "under" + ung/u "nail" + -al "pertaining to") refers to under the nail. This systematic approach is endorsed by leading medical education sources to boost quiz performance.
Disease Example: Pediculosis Breakdown -
In a quiz for the integumentary system, identify pediculosis by splitting pedicul/o (louse) + -osis (condition) to understand it's a lice infestation. Recognizing this structure helps you tackle parasitic skin condition questions with confidence. Applying root analysis to common conditions makes studying more efficient.
