Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What term is used to describe fat, water, and waste under the skin?

1. Cellulite

2. Adipose

3. Striae

4. Dermatitis

The correct answer is: Cellulite

The term that describes fat, water, and waste stored under the skin is cellulite. Cellulite is characterized by a dimpled or lumpy appearance, primarily due to the way fat is distributed and pushed through connective tissue beneath the skin. It often occurs on areas like the thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks, and is commonly associated with factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and varying levels of body fat. Adipose refers specifically to fat tissues in the body and does not encapsulate the aspects of water and waste. Striae, commonly known as stretch marks, are marks that develop on the skin as a result of rapid stretching, often during pregnancy or significant weight changes, and are not related to the accumulation of fat, water, or waste. Dermatitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the skin and does not pertain to the storage of fat or fluids. Thus, cellulite is the most accurate term that encompasses the combination of fat, water, and waste found beneath the skin's surface.