1. Clinical and Histological Descriptive Terms Flashcards
Dyskeratosis
Abnormal, premature keratinization of keratinocytes below the granular cell layer; often have brightly eosinophilic cytoplasm
Acantholysis
Loss of intercellular connections (desmosomes) between keratinocytes; causes change in cell shape from polygonal to round
Spongiosis and vesicles
Intraepidermal edema, causing splaying apart of keratinocytes in stratum spinosum, and vesicles due to shearing of desmosomes
Hypergranulosis
Hyperplasia of the stratum granulosum, often due to intense rubbing
Acanthosis
thickening of epidermis (squamous layer); rete ridges usually extend deeper into the dermis
Parakeratosis
Cells of cornified layer retain their nuclei, often less prominent or absent granular layer; normal for mucous membranes
Hyperkeratosis
Thickened cornified layer, often with a prominent granular layer
Onycholysis
separation of nail plate
Telangiectasia
A visible persistent dilation of small, superficial cutaneous blood vessels, may blanch
Erythema
Redness of skin due to increased blood flow, NOT leakage of blood into the skin, may blanch
Purpura
Extravasation of red blood cells into the skin or mucous membranes
Crust
A hardened layer that results when serum, blood, or purulent exudate dries on the skin surface
Scale
Dry, plate like excrescence usually due excess stratum corneum
Wheals
Itchy, transient, elevated area with variable blanching and erythema, due to dermal edema
Excoriations
Deep linear scratch that is often self-induced
Fissure
Canyon-like crack through the epidermis and into the dermis; NO tissue lost
Ulceration
Discontinuity of skin causing complete loss of epidermis and possible loss of dermis
Erosion
Discontinuity of skin causing partial loss of epidermis
Pustule
Intraepidermal or subepidermal vesicle or bullae filled with pus
Blister
Vesicle or bullae
Cyst
Encapsulated cavity or sac lined by true epithelium
Tumor
Solid, palpable, > 20 mm
Nodule
Solid, palpable, > 10 mm
Plaque
Elevated flat-topped area, usually > 10 mm