cutis

Cutis is the Latin word for skin and is used in medical terminology to refer to the organ that covers the body’s surface. In anatomy, the cutis is the integument, typically described as comprising two main layers—the epidermis on the outside and the dermis beneath—while the underlying subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) lies just deeper. The term cutis is often used in contrast to broader terms like “cutaneous,” which relate to the skin.

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium that provides a protective barrier and is continually renewed. It contains keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and other specialized cells. The dermis lies below and consists of dense connective tissue rich in collagen and elastin, blood vessels, nerve endings, and skin appendages such as hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous (oil) glands. The cutis also houses immune cells that participate in defense against pathogens and in inflammatory responses. Sensory receptors in the dermis and epidermis convey a range of tactile, thermal, and pain sensations.

Functions of the cutis include protection against mechanical injury, dehydration, and microbial invasion; regulation of temperature through sweat production and blood flow; and sensation. It also plays a role in metabolic processes such as vitamin D synthesis and serves as a site for cosmetic and personal-care activities.

Clinically, the skin can be affected by a wide array of conditions, from inflammatory dermatitis to connective tissue disorders like cutis laxa, which involve abnormal skin elasticity. Wound healing and aging reflect the ongoing renewal and structural changes of the cutis over time.