skin The body’s outer covering, which protects against heat and light, injury, and infection. Skin regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin, which weighs about 6 pounds, is the body’s largest organ. It is made up of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The outer layer of the…
skin, scalded, syndrome See staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
skin biopsy Removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of diagnostic examination. Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose skin growths, such as moles, or skin conditions, such as rashes. Different skin biopsy techniques are used in different situations. A shave biopsy takes a thin slice and can be used to remove…
skin graft Skin used to cover an area where the patient’s skin has been lost due to a burn, an injury, or surgery. The most effective skin grafts involve moving the patient’s own skin from one part of the body to another. The second most effective type are skin grafts between identical twins. Beyond these…
skin graft, allogenic A graft using skin from another person (not an identical twin). Also known as skin allograft.
skin graft, autologous A graft using the patient’s own skin. Also known as autogenic skin graft.
skin graft, composite A graft technique in which both the patient’s own skin and donor skin are used together.
skin graft, full-thickness A graft technique in which sheets of skin containing both the epidermis and the dermis are used. For example, a full-thickness skin graft might be used to repair a severe burn wound.
skin graft, mesh A graft technique in which multiple pieces of skin are carefully arranged to cover an area. This technique is used most frequently when a large area needs to be protected, as after a severe burn over a large area.
skin graft, pedicle A graft technique in which a piece of skin from a nearby area remains attached at one of its corners, while the main part of the piece is reattached over the area that needs to be covered.
skin graft, pinch A graft technique in which very small squares of skin are attached to the area that needs to be covered, in hopes that they will start to grow and cover the area.
skin graft, porcine A skin graft in which pig skin is used. Like grafts from human donors, porcine grafts are usually just a short-term protective measure.