Chapter 12 Skin The Integumentary System Medical Terms

Question 1

an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away

Answer 1

abrasion

Question 2

a closed pocket containing pus caused by a bacterial infection

Answer 2

abscess

Question 3

a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft

Answer 3

acne vulgaris

Question 4

a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin

Answer 4

actinic keratosis

Question 5

discolorations caused by sun exposure

Answer 5

age spots (solar lentigines or liver spots)

Question 6

a genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises

Answer 6

albinism

Question 7

the partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp

Answer 7

alopecia (baldness)

Question 8

an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body

Answer 8

alopecia areata

Question 9

an uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on the scalp

Answer 9

alopecia totalis (alopecia capitis totalis)

Question 10

the total loss of hair on all parts of the body

Answer 10

alopecia universalis

Question 11

the abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat

Answer 11

anhidrosis

Question 12

a malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis

Answer 12

basal cell carcinoma

Question 13

the removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination or establish a diagnosis

Answer 13

biopsy

Question 14

surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids

Answer 14

blepharoplasty (lid lift)

Question 15

a formulation of botulinum toxin that is administered by injection to temporarily improve the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows

Answer 15

botox

Question 16

a large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter

Answer 16

bulla

Question 17

an injury to body tissues caused by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals, or radiation

Answer 17

burn

Question 18

a burn in which there are no blisters and only superficial damage to the epidermis

Answer 18

burn, first degree

Question 19

a burn in which there are blisters and damage to the epidermis and the dermis

Answer 19

burn, second degree

Question 20

a burn in which there is damage to the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layers, and possibly also the muscle below

Answer 20

burn, third degree

Question 21

a bulging deposit that forms around the area of the break in a bone; also a thickening of the skin that is caused by repeated rubbing

Answer 21

callus

Question 22

a soft, raised, pink, or red vascular birthmark

Answer 22

capillary hemangioma (strawberry birthmark)

Question 23

a cluster of connected furuncles (boils)

Answer 23

carbuncle

Question 24

the destruction of tissue by burning

Answer 24

cauterization

Question 25

an acute, rapid spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissue of the skin

Answer 25

cellulitis

Question 26

the use of chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin

Answer 26

chemabrasion (chemical peel)

Question 27

a pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots of the face

Answer 27

chloasma (melasma or mask of pregnancy)

Question 28

abnormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips

Answer 28

clubbing

Question 29

a form of soft-tissue augmentation used to soften facial lines or scars, or to make lips appear fuller

Answer 29

collagen replacement therapy

Question 30

a noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle

Answer 30

comedo

Question 31

a localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant or allergen

Answer 31

contact dermatitis

Question 32

an injury to underlying tissue without breaking the skin, characterized by discoloration and pain

Answer 32

contusion

Question 33

a collection of dried serum and cellular debris

Answer 33

crust (scab)

Question 34

the destruction or elimination or abnormal tissue cells through the application of extreme cold by using liquid nitrogen

Answer 34

cryosurgery

Question 35

the removal of material from the surface by scraping

Answer 35

curettage

Question 36

an abnormal sac containing fluid, gas, or a semisolid material

Answer 36

cyst

Question 37

the removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and to promote healing

Answer 37

debridement

Question 38

a form of abrasion involving the use of a revolving wire brush or sandpaper

Answer 38

dermabrasion

Question 39

inflammation of the skin

Answer 39

dermatitis

Question 40

the replacement of damaged skin with healthy tissue taken from a donor site on the patient’s body

Answer 40

dermatoplasty (skin graft)

Question 41

a general term used to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are not associated with inflammation

Answer 41

dermatosis

Question 42

atypical moles that can develop into skin cancer

Answer 42

dysplastic nevi

Question 43

a large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin

Answer 43

ecchymosis (bruise)

Question 44

a form of recurring dermatitis characterized by itching, redness, and dryness

Answer 44

eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Question 45

a surgical technique in which tissue is destroyed using an electric spark

Answer 45

electrodessication

Question 46

the use of electric current to destroy hair follicles for the removal of undesired hair

Answer 46

electrolysis

Question 47

the wearing away of a surface

Answer 47

erosion

Question 48

redness of the skin due to capillary dilation

Answer 48

erythema

Question 49

abnormal redness of the entire skin surface

Answer 49

erythroderma

Question 50

a widespread rash, usually in children

Answer 50

exanthem

Question 51

a biopsy technique in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope

Answer 51

exfoliative cytology

Question 52

a condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin

Answer 52

exfoliative dermatitis

Question 53

fluid, such as pus, that leads out of an infected wound

Answer 53

exudate

Question 54

a condition in which the hair thins in the front and on the sides of the scalp and sometimes the crown

Answer 54

female pattern baldness

Question 55

a groove or crack-like sore of the skin; also normal folds in the contours of the brain

Answer 55

fissure

Question 56

inflammation of the hair follicles

Answer 56

folliculitis

Question 57

large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphyloccocal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands (boil)

Answer 57

furuncles (boils)

Question 58

tissue death caused by a loss of circulation to the affected tissues

Answer 58

gangrene

Question 59

the tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound that will become scar tissue

Answer 59

granulation tissue

Question 60

a general term used to describe a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis

Answer 60

granuloma

Question 61

a swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues

Answer 61

hematoma

Question 62

excessive bodily and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern

Answer 62

hirsutism

Question 63

a condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body

Answer 63

hyperhidrosis

Question 64

a group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin

Answer 64

ichthyosis

Question 65

a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by isolate pustules that become crusted and rupture

Answer 65

impetigo

Question 66

a cut made with a surgical instrument

Answer 66

incision

Question 67

the dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue

Answer 67

infestation

Question 68

the administration of medication by injection into the middle layers of the skin

Answer 68

intradermal injection

Question 69

a procedure using pressurized fluid to clean out wound debris

Answer 69

irrigation and debridement

Question 70

an abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision

Answer 70

keloid

Question 71

any skin growth, such as a wart or callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin

Answer 71

keratosis

Question 72

a malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like a bowl of a spoon

Answer 72

koilonychia (spoon nail)

Question 73

a torn or jagged wound or an accidental cut

Answer 73

laceration

Question 74

an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, used to treat skin conditions and other disorders of the body

Answer 74

laser

Question 75

a pathologic change of tissues due to disease or injury

Answer 75

lesion

Question 76

the surgical removal of fat from beneath the skin

Answer 76

lipectomy

Question 77

a chronic abnormal condition characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs

Answer 77

lipedema (painful fat syndrome)

Question 78

a benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer

Answer 78

lipoma

Question 79

the surgical removal of fat beneath the skin with the aid of suction

Answer 79

liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)

Question 80

a discolored, flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter

Answer 80

macule (macula)

Question 81

a common hair-loss pattern in men

Answer 81

male pattern baldness

Question 82

a type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes

Answer 82

malignant melanoma (melanoma)

Question 83

a technique used to treat various types of skin cancer by removing layers of cancerous tissue until a healthy margin is achieved

Answer 83

Mohs surgery

Question 84

any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus

Answer 84

mycosis

Question 85

a severe infection caused by group a strep bacteria

Answer 85

necrotizing fasciitis

Question 86

a small, dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes in the skin

Answer 86

nevus (mole)

Question 87

a solid, raised skin lesion that is larger than 0.5 cm in diameter and deep than a papule

Answer 87

nodule

Question 88

inflammation of the matrix of the nail

Answer 88

onychia (onychitis)

Question 89

ingrown toenail

Answer 89

onychocryptosis

Question 90

a fungal infection of the nail

Answer 90

onychomycosis

Question 91

nail biting or nail eating

Answer 91

onychophagia

Question 92

a benign, superficial wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder

Answer 92

papilloma

Question 93

a small, raised red lesion that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter

Answer 93

papule

Question 94

an infection of the skin fold around a nail

Answer 94

paronychia

Question 95

an infestation with lice

Answer 95

pediculosis (lice)

Question 96

very small pinpoint hemorrhages less than 2 mm in diameter

Answer 96

petechiae

Question 97

a technique used to treat damage and precancerous skin, as well as various types of cancer

Answer 97

photodynamic therapy

Question 98

irregularities in skin color, such as moles

Answer 98

pigmented birthmarks

Question 99

a fatty deposit within the blood vessels; also a soft buildup of bacterial debris on the exterior of the teeth; also a scaly, solid, raised area of closely spaced papules on the skin

Answer 99

plaque

Question 100

mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane

Answer 100

polyp

Question 101

a flat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries

Answer 101

port-wine stain

Question 102

an open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin

Answer 102

pressure sore (decubitus ulcer or bedsore)

Question 103

a common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttocks

Answer 103

psoriasis

Question 104

a deep hole made by a sharp object such as a nail

Answer 104

puncture wound

Question 105

the appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin

Answer 105

purpura

Question 106

producing or containing pus

Answer 106

purulent

Question 107

a small, circumscribed lesion containing pus

Answer 107

pustule (pimple)

Question 108

any acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infection such as impetigo

Answer 108

pyoderma

Question 109

a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A that are used in skin care and treatment

Answer 109

retinoids

Question 110

hyperplasia of the tissues of the nose

Answer 110

rhinophyma (bulbous nose)

Question 111

the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the face to eliminate wrinkles

Answer 111

rhytidectomy (face lift)

Question 112

a chronic condition of unknown cause that produces tiny red pimples, and broken blood vessels

Answer 112

rosacea (adult acne)

Question 113

a skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites

Answer 113

scabies (itch mite)

Question 114

flakes or dry patches made up of excess dead epidermal cells

Answer 114

scales

Question 115

an autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened, causing the skin to become hard and swollen

Answer 115

scleroderma

Question 116

treatment of spider veins by injecting a saline sclerosing solution into the vein

Answer 116

sclerotherapy

Question 117

a closed sac associated with a sebaceous gland that is found just under the skin

Answer 117

sebaceous cyst

Question 118

overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum

Answer 118

seborrhea

Question 119

inflammation that causes scaling and itching of the upper layers of the skin or scalp

Answer 119

seborrheic dermatitis

Question 120

a benign skin growth that has a waxy or “pasted-on” look

Answer 120

seborrheic keratosis

Question 121

a harmful, malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun

Answer 121

skin cancer

Question 122

benign small flesh-colored or light-brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks

Answer 122

skin tags

Question 123

the occurrence of hyperhidrosis during sleep

Answer 123

sleep hyperhidrosis (night sweats)

Question 124

a malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium that can quickly spread to other body parts

Answer 124

squamous cell carcinoma

Question 125

blocks the harmful ultraviolet B rays, measured in terms of strength of the sun protection factor (SPF)

Answer 125

sunscreen

Question 126

an autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk that also attacks connective tissue in other body systems

Answer 126

systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

Question 127

a fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails

Answer 127

tinea (ringworm)

Question 128

liquid or ointment rubbed into the skin on the area to be treated

Answer 128

topical application

Question 129

steroids used in treatment of various skin disorders and diseases

Answer 129

topical steroids

Question 130

the administration of medication through the unbroken skin so that it is absorbed continuously to produce a systemic effect

Answer 130

transdermal

Question 131

superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands such as the armpits

Answer 131

trichomycosis axillaris

Question 132

an open sore or lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges

Answer 132

ulcer

Question 133

itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction

Answer 133

urticaria (hives)

Question 134

birthmarks caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface

Answer 134

vascular birthmark

Question 135

small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus

Answer 135

verrucae (warts)

Question 136

a small blister, less than 0.5 cm in diameter, containing watery fluid

Answer 136

vesicle

Question 137

a skin condition resulting from the destructive melanocytes due to unknown causes, resulting in irregular patches of white skin

Answer 137

vitiligo

Question 138

a small bump that itches

Answer 138

wheal (welt)

Question 139

excessively dry skin

Answer 139

xeroderma (xerosis)