Acral is an adjective that refers to something related to or affecting the extremities of the body, primarily the hands and feet. It is derived from the Latin word "acrus," which means "extremity," and is commonly used in medical terminology.
In medicine, acral is frequently used to describe conditions or phenomena that specifically involve the hands and feet. For example, acral melanoma is a type of skin cancer that typically develops on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. Acral lentiginous melanoma is another subtype of melanoma that affects these particular areas.
Furthermore, acral dermatitis signifies inflammation or irritation of the skin on the extremities, often resulting from contact with an allergen or irritant. It may manifest in symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, or a rash.
The use of acral extends beyond medical contexts and can also be employed more broadly to describe certain anatomical features. For instance, acral bones are the distal or end bones of the limbs, such as the phalanges in the fingers and toes. Similarly, acral anomalies or deformities refer to structural irregularities specifically affecting the extremities.
Overall, acral is a term that relates to the extremities, especially the hands and feet, and it is predominantly used in medical jargon to describe conditions, diseases, or features associated with these body parts.
