What combining form is used when referring to the skin?

Prepare for the Wellstar Certified Medical Assistant CMA Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification exam!

The combining form used when referring to the skin is "Derm/o." This term is derived from the Greek word "derma," meaning skin, and it is widely used in medical terminology. It forms the basis of various terms related to skin conditions, anatomical references, and surgical procedures involving the skin, such as dermatology (the study of the skin) and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

While the other combining forms, such as "Integument/o," "Epiderm/o," and "Cutane/o," also relate to the skin, they have more specific uses. "Integument/o" refers to the integumentary system as a whole, which includes skin, hair, nails, and glands. "Epiderm/o" specifically pertains to the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. "Cutane/o" is related to the skin in a broader physiological context and is frequently used in terms like subcutaneous. However, "Derm/o" is the most general and widely recognized combining form for skin in medical terminology.

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