Dictionary

desensitization, allergy See allergy desensitization.

descending aorta The part of the aorta that runs down through the chest and the abdomen. The descending aorta starts after the arch of the aorta and ends by splitting into the common iliac arteries that go down toward the thighs. The descending aorta is subdivided into the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta. See…

dermopathy See dermatopathy.

dermoid cyst of the ovary See ovarian teratoma.

dermoid See ovarian teratoma.

dermis The lower or inner layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin (the other being the epidermis). See also epidermis; skin.

dermatophytic onychomycosis See onychomycosis.

dermatopathy Any disease of the skin. Also known as dermopathy.

dermatomyositis A chronic inflammatory disease of muscle causing weakness that is associated with patches of slightly raised reddish or scaly rash. The rash can be on the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, or on sun-exposed areas of the neck and chest. Classically, however, it is over the knuckles. When inflammation of the muscle…

dermatome 1 A localized area of skin that receives its sensations via a single nerve from a single nerve root of the spinal cord. Shingles (herpes zoster) typically affects one or several isolated dermatomes. 2 A cutting instrument used for skin grafting or for slicing thin pieces of skin.

dermatology The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the skin, hair, nails, oral cavity, and genitals. Some practitioners of dermatology also do cosmetic care and enhancement. See also dermatologist.

dermatologist A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.