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Integumentary System

Terms

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primary lesions
lesions arising from previously normal skin
kerat/o, scler/o
hard
seborrhea
a skin condition marked by the hypersecretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands
tinea
a group of fungal skin diseases identified by the body part that is affected, including tinea corporis (body), commonly called ringworm, and tinea pedis (foot), also called athlete's foot
pediculosis pubis
lice that generally infect the pubic region, but hair of the axilla, eyebrows, lashes, beard, or other hairy body surfaces may also be involved -- also called crabs (pubis = groin)
rubeola
reddish; 14-day measles
secondary lesions
lesions that result in changes in primary lesions
biopsy (Bx)
removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic pathological examination
collagen
protein substance found in skin and connective tissue (koila = glue; gen = producing)
spider angioma
most commonly seen on the face, neck, or chest (telos = end)
culture and sensitivity (C&S)
a technique of isolating and growing colonies of microorganisms to identify a pathogen and to determine which drugs might be effective in combating the infection it has caused
sebum
oily substance secreted by the sebaceous gland
melanocyte
a cell found in the basal layer that gives color to the skin
dermatitis (eczema)
an inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, pruritus (itching), and various lesions
dermabrasion
surgical removal of frozen epidermis using wire brushes and emery papers to remove scars, tattoos, and/or wrinkles; aerosol spray is used to freeze the skin
cutaneous lupus
limited to the skin; evidenced by a characteristic rash especially on the face, neck, and scalp
hyperpigmentation
darkened areas of skin caused by excessive amounts of melanin
curettage
to clean; scraping of a wound using a spoon-like cutting instrument called a curette; this technique is used in debridement
first-degree burn
a burn involving only the epidermis, characterized by erythema (redness) and hyperesthesia (excessive sensation)
cherry angioma
a small, round, bright-red blood vessel tumor on the skin, often on the trunk of the elderly
chemosurgery (chemical peel)
a technique for restoreing wrinkled, scarred, or blemished skin by application of an acid solution to "peel" away the top layers of the skin
excoriation
a scratch mark (e.g., from a cat scratch)
patch test
the substance is applied topically to the skin on a small piece of blotting paper or wet cloth
histamine
a regulation body substance released in excess during allergic reactions causing swelling and imflammation of tissue [e.g., in urticaria (hives), hay fever]
closed comedo (whitehead)
below the skin surface with a white center
squamous cell layer
flat, scale-like epithelial cells comprising the outermost layers of the epidermis
elestrodesiccation
use of short, high-frequency, electric currents to destroy tissue by drying -- the active electrode makes direct contact with the skin lesion (desicco = to dry up)
epithelium
cells covering external and internal surfaces of the body
incisional Bx
removal of a selected portion of a lesion
dermatosis
any disorder of the skin
bulla
a blister larger than 0.5 cm (e.g., a second-degree burn) (bulla = bubble)
basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
a malignant tumor of the basal layer of the epidermis [the most common type of skin cancer]
systemic lupus erythematosus
a more severe form of lupus involving the skin, joints, and often the vital organs (e.g., lungs, kidneys)
wheal
an area of localized skin edema (swelling) (e.g., a hive)
malignant melanoma
a malignant tumor composed of melanocytes -- most develop from a pigmented nevus over time
vitiligo
a condition caused by the destruction of melanin that results in the appearance of white patches on the skin, commonly the face, hands, legs, and genital areas
papule
a solid mass on the skin up to 0.5 cm in diameter [e.g., a nevus (mole)]
plaque
a solid mass greater than 1 cm in diameter, limited to the surface of the skin
antifungal
a drug that kills or prevents the growth of fungi
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
a malignant tumor of squamous epithelium
derm/o, dermat/o, cutane/o
skin
seb/o
sebum (oil)
squam/o
scale
purpuric lesions
purpura; lesions as a result of hemorrhagic spot into the skin
antiseptic
an agent that inhibits the growth of infectious microorganism
fissure
a linear crack in the skin
pruritus
severe itching
eruption
appearance of a skin lesion
ichthy/o
fish
rubella
reddish; German measles
second-degree burn
a burn involving the epidermis and the dermis, characterized by erethema, hyperesthesia, and vesications (blisters)
malignant cutaneous neoplasm
skin cancer
contact dermatitis
an inflammation of the skin resulting from contact with a substance to which one is allergic (e.g., chemicals on dyes, preservatives, fragrances, rubber; allergic dermatitis); or one that is a known skin irritant (e.g., acid, solvent; irritant dermatitis)
macule (macula)
a flat, discolored spot on the skin up to 1 cm across (e.g., a freckle)
hair
outgrowth of the skin composed of keratin
herpes zoster
a viral disease affecting the peripheral nerves characterized by painful blisters that spread over the skin following the affected nerves; usually unilateral -- also known as shingles (zoster = girdle)
cellulitis
an acute inflammation of subcutaneous tissue resulting from a bacterial invasion through a break in the skin (cellula = small storeroom)
pediculosis capitis
head lice (capitis = head)
electrosurgical procedures
use of electric currents to destroy tissue -- the type and strength of the current and method of application varies
ultraviolet therapy
use of ultraviolet light to promote healing of a skin lesion (e.g., an ulcer)
antibiotic
a drug that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
seborrheic keratoses
benign wart-like lesions (seen especially on elderly skin)
eczema
to boil out; term is often used interchangeably with dermatitis to denote a skin condition characterized by the appearance of inflamed, swollen papules and vesicles that crust and scale, often with sensations of itching and burning
shave Bx
a technique using a surgical blade to "shave" tissue from the epidermis and upper dermis
abscess
a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by the inflammation of surrounding tissues that heals when drained or excised (abscessus = a going away)
lupus
a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of various parts of the body (lupus = wolf)
keratoses
thickened areas of epidermis
plas/o
formation
herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
transient viral vesicles (e.g., cold sores, fever blisters) that infect the facial area, especially the mouth and nose (herpes = creeping skin disease)
xer/o
dry
dysplastic nevus
a mole with precancerous changes
herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)
sexually transmitted ulcer-like lesions of the genital and anorectal skin and mucosa; after initial infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cell root and many recur at times of stress
psoriasis
an itching; a chronic, recurrent skin disease marked by silver-gray scales covering red patches on the skin that result from overproduction and thickening of skin cells -- elbows, knees, genitals, arms, legs, scalp, and nails are common sites of involvement
purpur/o
purple
antipruritic
a drug that relieves itching
pediculosis
infestation with lice that causes itching and dermatitis (pediculo = louse)
xanth/o
yellow
chemotherapy
treatment of malignancies, infections, and other diseases with chemical agents that destroy selected cells or impair their ability to reproduce
exanthematous viral disease
eruption of the skin caused by a viral disease (exanthema = eruption)
onychia
inflammation of the fingernail or toenail
sclerotherapy
use of sclerosing agents in treating diseases (e.g., injecting of a saline solution into a dilated blood vessel tumor in the skin, resulting in hardening of the tissue within and eventual sloughing away of the lesion)
scale
a thin flake of exfoliated epidermis (e.g., dandruff)
hypopigmentation
areas of skin lacking color due to deficient amounts of melanin
hidr/o
sweat
seborrheic dermatitis
redness of the skin covered by a yellow, oily, itchy scale mostly commonly at the hairline, forehead, and around the nose, ears, or eyelashes and developing at any age; referred to as "cradle cap" in infants
epidermal tumors
skin tumors arising from the epidermis
keloid
an abnormal overgrowth of scar tissue that is thick and irregular (klee = tumor)
varicella
a tiny spot; chickenpox
laser surgery
surgery using a laser in various dermatological procedures to remove lesions, scars, tattoos, etc.
urticaria
hives; an eruption of wheals on the skin accompanied by itch (urtica = stinging nettle)
erythr/o
red
antihistamine
a drug that blocks the effects of histamine in the body
myc/o
fungus
actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
localized thickening of the skin caused by excessive exposure to sunlight; a known precursor to cancer (actinic = ray; solar = sun)
incision and drainage (I&D)
incision and drainage of an infected skin lesion (e.g., an abcess)
comedo (pl. comedos, comedones)
a plug of sebum (oil) within the opening of a hair follicle
carbuncle
a skin infection consisting of clusters of furuncles (carbo = small, glowing embers)
subcutaneous tissue
connective and adipose tissue layer just under the dermis
lesion
an area of pathologically altered tissue (two types: primary and secondary)
debridement
removal of dead tissue from a wound or burn site to promote healing and prevent infection
paronychia
inflammation of the nail fold
xenograft (heterograft)
a graft transfer from one animal species (xeno - strange; hetero = different)
scabies
a contagious disease caused by a parasite (mite) that invades the skin, causing an intense itch -- most often found at articulations between the fingers or toes, elbow, etc. (scabo = to scratch)
burn
an injury to body tissue caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or gases
anti-inflammatory
a drug that reduces inflammation
open comedo (blackhead)
open to the skin surface with a black center caused by the presence of melanin exposed to air
autograft
transfer to a new position in the body of the same person (auto = self)
alopecia
baldness; natural of unnatural deficiency of hair
vesicle
little bladder; an elevated, fluid-filled sac (blister) within or under the epidermis up to 0.5 cm in diameter (e.g., a fever blister)
dermis
dense, fibrous connective tissue layer of the skin (also known as the corium)
keratin
hard protein material found in the epidermis, hair, and nails
vascular lesions
lesions of a blood vessel
impetigo
highly contagious, bacterial skin inflammation marked by pustules that rupture and become crusted -- most often occurs around the mouth and nostrils
nevus
a congenital malformation on the skin that can be epidermal or vascular -- also called a mole
ecchymosis
bruise; a black and blue mark -- large purpura (chymo = juice)
xeroderma
dry skin
patch
a flat, discolored area on the skin larger than 1 cm (e.g., vitiligo)
sudoriferous glands
sweat glands (sudor = sweat; ferre = to bear)
frozen section (FS)
a surgical method involving cutting a thin piece of tissue from a frozen specimen for immediate pathological examination
skin tests
methods for determining the reaction of the body to a given substance by applying it to, or injecting it into, the skin -- commonly seen in treating allergy
third-degree burn
a burn involving all layers of the skin, characterized by the destruction of the subcutaneous tissue
hist/o, histi/o
tissue
melan/o
black
nail
outgrowth of the skin attached to the distal end of each finger and toe, composed of keratin
cicatrix of the skin
a mark left by the healing of a sore or wound showing the replacement of destroyed tissue by fibrous tissue (cicatrix = scar)q
leuk/o
white
anesthetic
a drug that temporarily blocks transmission of nerve conduction to produce a loss of sensations (e.g., pain)
scratch test
the substance is applied to the skin through a scratch
sebaceous glands
oil glands in the skin
fulguration
to lighten; use of long, high-frequency, electric sparks to destroy tissue; the sctive electrode does not touch the skin
adip/o, lip/o, steat/o
fat
excisional Bx
removal of an entire lesion
radiation therapy
treatment of neoplastic disease disease by using ionizing radiation to deter proliferation of malignant cells
electrocautery
use of an instrument heated by electric current (cautery) to coagulate bleeding areas by burning the tissue (e.g., to sear a blood vessel)
trich/o
hair
ichthyosis
a skin conduction caused by a gene defect that results in dry, thick, scaly skin; ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common of the many types (vulgaris is a Greek word meaning common)
skin graft
transfer of skin from one body site to another to replace skin lost through burns or injury
ulcer
an open sore in the skin or mucous membrane that can bleed and scar and is sometimes accompanied by infection (e.g., decubitus ulcer)
rash
a general term for skin eruption, most often associated with communicable
crust
dried residue of serum (body liquid), pus, or blood on the skin (e.g., an impetigo)
erosion
to gnaw away; loss of superficial epidermis leaving an area of moisture but no bleeding (e.g., area of moisture after ruptur of a vesicle)
suppuration
production of purulent matter (pus)
gangrene
an eating sore; death of tissue associated with loss of blood supply resulting from trauma of an inflammatory of infectious process such as seen in complications of frostbite, severe burns, and conditions that affect circulation (e.g., diabetes)
verruca
an epidermal tumor caused by a papilloma virus -- also called a wart
skin pigmentation
skin color due to the presence of melanin
onych/o
nail
pustule
a pus-filled sac (e.g., a pimple)
basal layer
deepest region of the epidermis
atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema)
a chronic skin inflammation characterized by the appearance of inflamed, swollen papules and vesicles that crust and scale, with severe itching and burning; most outbreaks begin in infancy and are marked by exacerbations and remissions that usually clear up before adulthood; occurs in persons with atopy (a genetic hypersensitivity to environmental irritants of allergens)
tumor
a solid mass larger than 1-2 cm
acne
an inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin evidenced by comedones, pustules, or nodules on the skin (acne = point)
Mohs surgery
a technique used to excise tumors of the skin by removing fresh tissue layer by layer until a tumor-free plane is reached
Kaposi sarcoma
a malignant tumor of the walls of blood vessels appearing as painless, dark bluish-purple plaques on the skin; often spreads to lymph nodes and internal organs
depigmentation
loss of melanin pigment in the skin
petechia
spot; a reddish-brown, minute hemorrhagic spot on the skin that indicates a bleeding tendency -- small purpura
erythema
redness of skin
albinism
a hereditary condition characterized by a partial or total lack of melanin pigment (particularly in the eyes, skin, and hair)
homograft (allograft)
donor transfer between individuals of the same species such as human to human (homo = same; allo = other)
cryosurgery
destruction of tissue by freezing -- involves application of an extremely cold chemical (e.g., liquid nitrogen)
nodule
a solid mass greater than 1 cm, which extends deeper into the epidermis
melanin
dark brown pigment contained in melanocytes
furuncle
a boil; a painful nodule formed in the skin by inflammation originating in a hair follicle-- caused by staphylococcosis
epidermis
thin, cellular outer layer of the skin
telangiectasia
a timy, red blood vessel lesion formed by the dilation of a group of blood vessels radiating from a central arteriole
laser
an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an instrument that concentrates high frequencies of light into a small, extremely intense beam that is precise in depth and diameter; it is applied to body tissues to destroy lesions or for dissection (cutting of parts for study)

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