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subcutis

subcutis

1 8.6
A layer of fat and soft tissue under the skin that protects the body
  • noun
  • /ˌsʌbˈkjuːtɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subcutis
  • Understanding the structure of the subcutis is important for dermatologists when they treat skin conditions.

Examples

  • Initial histopathology described it as a neoplastic infiltrate involving the dermis and subcutis of uncertain histogenesis.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Leiomyosarcomas that originate in the subcutis recur more often—in approximately 50% of patients.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The percutaneous approach usually employs a plug anchored to the patient's skull, crossing subcutis and skin, to reach the outside and accommodate the speech processor's connector.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The veterinarian explained that the injection would be given just beneath the skin into the subcutis to ensure it absorbs quickly.

  • During the surgery, the doctor carefully cut through the layers to access the subcutis for the procedure.

Synonyms

underskin
vssubcutis
  • Specialized
6.3

The soft layer under the skin that stores fat

is the same layer emphasising its makeup of mainly fat and connective tissue
panniculus
vssubcutis
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin layer of fat or muscle just under the skin

is more specific, referring mainly to fat and connective tissue not muscle

How Deep

muscle
679 1.3
fascia
  • Specialized
5 8.7
subcutis
  • Specialized
1 8.6
dermis
  • Specialized
4 6.0
epidermis
  • Specialized
12 5.1

Surface Forms

subcutis singular
subcutises plural

Morphology

subcutis = cutis (opaque) = sub + cutis

Morphologically clear as 'sub-' (under) + 'cutis' (skin), but 'cutis' is a specialized/Latin medical term not known to most general learners.

Etymology

The word subcutis comes from Latin parts sub- 'under' and cutis 'skin'. So subcutis is the layer 'under' the skin, the fat and tissue that help protect and warm the body. The same cutis root appears in words like cuticle and cutaneous, which are also about the skin.