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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Integumentary System Quiz: Skin Terms and Root Words

Quick integumentary system self test. Instant results and feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jonas Van Der VloetUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for integumentary system quiz on teal background

This quiz helps you practice integumentary system terms, including common root words, prefixes, and suffixes, with instant feedback. To review structures and layers, try the layers of the skin quiz or the labeling the skin quiz. You can also strengthen word parts with a medical prefixes and suffixes quiz.

What combining form refers to the skin?
Dermat/o
Nephr/o
Cardi/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 .
Which suffix means "study of"?
-itis
-pathy
-ectomy
-logy
The suffix "-logy" means "study of" or "science of," as in dermatology (study of skin). It comes from the Greek "-logia." Learn more at .
What prefix means "above" or "on top of"?
Hypo-
Inter-
Epi-
Sub-
The prefix "epi-" means "above" or "upon," as seen in epidermis (the outer layer of skin). It comes from the Greek "epi." More at .
Which combining form means "red"?
Cyan/o
Leuk/o
Melan/o
Erythr/o
The combining form "erythr/o" means "red," as in erythroderma (red skin). It derives from the Greek "erythros." See details at .
Which combining form refers to the lip?
Hepat/o
Lip/o
Gastr/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 .
What suffix means "surgical removal"?
-plasty
-algia
-ectomy
-itis
The suffix "-ectomy" denotes surgical removal, as in tonsillectomy. It comes from the Greek "ektom?." More at .
Which prefix means "under" or "below"?
Hyper-
Sub-
Peri-
Trans-
The prefix "sub-" means "under" or "below," as in subcutaneous (under the skin). It derives from Latin. See more at .
Which combining form means "sweat"?
Py/o
Lip/o
Hidr/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 .
Which suffix means "disease"?
-scope
-gram
-plasia
-pathy
The suffix "-pathy" means "disease" or "suffering," as in dermopathy (skin disease). It is derived from Greek. See more at .
What combining form refers to the nail?
Urin/o
Opthalm/o
Nas/o
Onych/o
The combining form "onych/o" refers to the nail, as in onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nail). It comes from Greek. More at .
Which combining form means "hair"?
Oste/o
Trich/o
Cyt/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 .
Which combining form means "fat"?
Neur/o
My/o
Gastr/o
Lip/o
The combining form "lip/o" means "fat," as in lipoma (fatty tumor). It is derived from Greek. More at .
What suffix means "small"?
-oma
-megaly
-ule
-itis
The suffix "-ule" means "small" or "little," as in vesicle (small blister) sometimes called vesicule. It comes from Latin. See more at .
Which combining form means "dry"?
Xer/o
Therm/o
Bar/o
Hydr/o
The combining form "xer/o" means "dry," as in xerosis (abnormal dryness of the skin). It is from Greek. More at .
Which combining form means "black"?
Chlor/o
Rubr/o
Melan/o
Leuk/o
The combining form "melan/o" means "black," as in melanoma (black tumor). It comes from the Greek "melas." See details at .
Which prefix means "between"?
Peri-
Inter-
Intra-
Retro-
The prefix "inter-" means "between," as in intertrigo (inflammation between body folds). It is from Latin. More at .
What is the medical term for inflammation of the skin?
Myositis
Hepatitis
Dermatitis
Arthritis
Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin and can be caused by irritants or allergens. The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation. More at .
Which skin layer lies directly below the epidermis?
Stratum corneum
Dermis
Hypodermis
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 .
Which cells produce keratin in the skin?
Keratinocytes
Melanocytes
Langerhans cells
Fibroblasts
Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis and produce keratin, a protective protein. Melanocytes produce melanin. More at .
Where are melanocytes found?
Dermis
Stratum corneum
Basal layer of epidermis
Hypodermis
Melanocytes reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and produce melanin pigment. They protect against UV damage. See .
What does hyperkeratosis mean?
Inflammation of sweat glands
Loss of pigmentation
Excessive keratin buildup
Weakened skin
Hyperkeratosis denotes an abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum due to excessive keratin. It's often seen in calluses. Read more at .
Which suffix means "formation" or "growth"?
-lysis
-megaly
-stasis
-plasia
The suffix "-plasia" refers to formation or growth of tissue, as in hyperplasia (increased cell production). From Greek "plasis." See .
What is an abrasion?
Superficial scraping injury
Burn
Deep cut
Bruise
An abrasion is a superficial wound where the skin is scraped off. It only affects the epidermis. More at .
What term describes excessive sweating?
Hyperhidrosis
Hidradenitis
Dyshidrosis
Anhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormally excessive sweating. It can affect specific areas like palms. Learn more at .
Which combining form means "fungus"?
Myc/o
Xanth/o
Psor/o
Derm/o
The combining form "myc/o" means "fungus," as in mycosis (fungal infection). It comes from Greek "mykes." See .
What is debridement?
Skin graft procedure
Skin biopsy
Removal of dead tissue
Chemical peel
Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote wound healing. It can be surgical or enzymatic. Read more at .
What is ecchymosis?
Small pinpoint hemorrhages
Large skin bruise
Small skin cyst
Inflamed sweat gland
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 .
Which prefix means "away from" or "without"?
Pro-
Re-
De-
Pre-
The prefix "de-" means "down, away from, or reverse," often implying removal, as in dehydrate. See .
What does the suffix "-osis" mean?
Inflammation
Surgical incision
Cancerous tumor
Condition or disease
The suffix "-osis" indicates a condition, often abnormal or disease-related, such as halitosis. It originates from Greek. More at .
What term describes a yellowish skin discoloration caused by bile pigments?
Xerosis
Erythroderma
Jaundice
Cyanosis
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin. It indicates liver or hemolytic disorders. See .
Which condition is characterized by depigmented patches of skin?
Rosacea
Eczema
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Vitiligo causes loss of melanocytes in patches, leading to depigmented skin areas. Its exact cause is autoimmune. Read more at .
Which term refers to a small, raised lesion containing pus?
Macule
Papule
Vesicle
Pustule
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 .
What is the name of the protein that waterproofs the skin?
Melanin
Collagen
Elastin
Keratin
Keratin is a fibrous protein in the epidermis that provides a waterproof barrier. It also contributes to hair and nails. See .
Which gland type secretes sebum into hair follicles?
Ceruminous glands
Eccrine sweat glands
Sebaceous glands
Apocrine sweat glands
Sebaceous glands secrete oily sebum into hair follicles to lubricate skin and hair. They are holocrine glands. More at .
What is scleroderma?
Fungal infection
Deep tissue ulcer
Autoimmune thickening of skin
Bacterial rash
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin due to collagen overproduction. See .
What is the pilosebaceous unit?
Sweat gland and blood vessel
Melanocyte and keratinocyte
Epidermis plus dermis
Hair follicle and sebaceous gland
The pilosebaceous unit consists of the hair follicle, hair shaft, arrector pili muscle, and sebaceous gland. It plays a role in acne. More at .
Which condition is characterized by fish-scale like skin?
Eczema
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis refers to a group of disorders with dry, scaly skin resembling fish scales. It can be inherited or acquired. See .
What layer of skin contains the Meissner's corpuscles?
Papillary dermis
Hypodermis
Reticular dermis
Stratum basale
Meissner's corpuscles are tactile receptors found in the papillary layer of the dermis, responsible for light touch sensation. More at .
Which term describes excessive hair growth in women in a male pattern?
Hirsutism
Hypertrichosis
Alopecia
Trichotillomania
Hirsutism is excessive, male-pattern hair growth on women, often due to hormonal imbalance. Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth all over. See .
What is a dermatome in anatomy?
Type of skin lesion
Skin area supplied by a spinal nerve
Part of hair follicle
Layer of epidermis
A dermatome is an area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve root. It's important in neurological exams. More at .
Which pigment protects skin from ultraviolet light?
Melanin
Bilirubin
Carotene
Hemoglobin
Melanin absorbs and dissipates UV radiation, protecting deeper tissues from damage. Increased exposure leads to tanning. See .
What term describes inflammation of the sweat glands?
Hidrosis
Hidradenitis
Adnexitis
Dermatitis
Hidradenitis refers to inflammation of sweat glands, often seen in hidradenitis suppurativa. It causes painful nodules. See .
Which combining form refers specifically to oil or fat in dermatology?
Adip/o
Seb/o
Lip/o
Steat/o
The combining form "seb/o" refers to oil or sebum produced by sebaceous glands. It's used in terms like seborrhea. More at .
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 .
Which condition is characterized by autoimmune blistering of skin and mucous membranes?
Impetigo
Pemphigus vulgaris
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Bullous pemphigoid
Pemphigus vulgaris causes intraepidermal blisters from autoantibodies against desmoglein. It is life-threatening. More at .
What is leukoderma?
Oily skin
White patches of skin
Excess melanin
Thickened skin
Leukoderma refers to localized loss of skin pigmentation resulting in white patches. Vitiligo is a type of leukoderma. See .
Which term describes a fungal infection of the hair shaft?
Tinea corporis
Onychomycosis
Trichomycosis
Tinea pedis
Trichomycosis (piedra) is a fungal infection of the hair shaft caused by yeast or fungi, forming nodules. See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Root Components -

    Recognize common integumentary system root words, prefixes, and suffixes to build accurate medical vocabulary.

  2. Define Integumentary Terms -

    Explain key integumentary medical terms and their meanings within clinical and academic contexts.

  3. Differentiate Word Parts -

    Distinguish between prefixes, suffixes, and root words specific to the skin and integumentary system.

  4. Apply Terminology Skills -

    Use proper medical terminology to answer quiz questions on the integumentary system with confidence.

  5. Analyze Quiz Performance -

    Review and interpret quiz results to identify areas of strength and improvement in your integumentary system knowledge.

  6. Recall Skin Structures -

    Recall and describe the main structures and functions of the skin using precise medical language.

Cheat Sheet

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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