What is another name for a scar, which is a lightly raised mark on the skin after healing?

A scar, often referred to as a cicatrix, forms as part of the natural healing process following an injury to the skin. When the skin is damaged, the body produces new collagen fibers to mend the wound, leading to the formation of a scar. A cicatrix can appear as a lightly raised mark, which is a characteristic feature of this type of skin tissue change.

Understanding this concept is important because it highlights the body's natural response to injury and the subsequent changes in the skin's appearance. Other terms like fissure, striae, and atrophy refer to different skin conditions or characteristics and do not apply to the description of a scar. For example, a fissure is a crack or opening in the skin, striae (or stretch marks) are lines that stretch across the skin, and atrophy refers to a thinning and weakening of skin tissue. Recognizing the correct term, cicatrix, provides clarity in the context of skin recovery and pathology.