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Glite Dictionary
🧣 A small covering 🧬 A tissue layer 🩹 A skin fold
panniculus

panniculus

9.9
A thin layer of fat or muscle just under the skin
  • noun
  • /ˈpænɪkjələs/
  • Specialized
: pániculo
  • This layer is well developed in humans and has been named subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, or panniculus adiposus.

Examples

  • The flap consisted of the superficial fascia, panniculus carnosus, subcutaneous tissue, and skin.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The presence of a thick panniculus can affect the results of physical examinations and surgeries.

  • The panniculus provides insulation and cushioning beneath the skin, helping to protect our internal organs.

  • Surgeons often need to remove excess panniculus during weight loss procedures to improve the patient's health and comfort.

Synonyms

tissue layer
vspanniculus
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A thin sheet of cells that covers and joins parts of plants and animals

is specific to the sheet directly beneath the skin rather than any tissue
subcutis
vspanniculus
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A layer of fat and soft tissue under the skin that protects the body

can include muscle as well, so is not limited to fat and connective tissue
underskin
vspanniculus
  • Specialized
1 6.3

The soft layer under the skin that stores fat

is broader, includes either fat or muscle not only fat and connective tissue

Surface Forms

panniculus singular
panniculi plural

Etymology

Panniculus comes from the Latin word pannus meaning 'cloth' plus the small ending -culus meaning 'little'. So it literally meant a 'small cloth', which helps you picture a thin layer or sheet of tissue just under the skin.