MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Subcutaneous

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Subcutaneous

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Skin layers and needles

Definition Return to top

The term "cutaneous" refers to the skin. Subcutaneous means beneath or under all the layers of the skin. For example, a subcutaneous cyst is under the skin.

Update Date: 10/20/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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