Descriptive Terminology

Question 0

What are characteristics used to describe clinical findings?

Answer 0

Size, site, shape, symmetry, texture, color, border, attachment mode, consistency, number and distribution

Question 1

Lesion

Answer 1

Denotes pathologic/traumatic change in tissue

Question 2

Macule

Answer 2

Focal area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings; flat

Question 3

Papule

Answer 3

Solid, raised lesion less than 5 mm in diameter her

Question 4

Nodule

Answer 4

Solid, raised lesion greater than 5 mm in diameter

Question 5

Fissure

Answer 5

Narrow, slit like ulceration or groove

Question 6

Plaque

Answer 6

Slightly elevated and generally flat; (homonym of “plaque” which is the soft white you deposit that accumulates on teeth)

Question 7

Petechia(e)

Answer 7

Flat, round, pinpoint areas of hemorrhage, usually 3 mm or less

Question 8

Purpura

Answer 8

Hemorrhage into the skin, larger than petechia, but less than 1 cm

Question 9

Ecchymosis

Answer 9

Flat area of hemorrhage and larger than 1 cm; bruise

Question 10

Varicose

Answer 10

Abnormally swollen, distended or dilated

Question 11

Scale

Answer 11

Flakes or retained surface keratin

Question 12

Crust

Answer 12

Dried blood, serum or purulent exudate on skin surface

Question 13

Erosive

Answer 13

Superficial, partial or total loss of surface epithelium; May arise secondarily from rupture of bulla/blister

Question 14

Ulcerated

Answer 14

Loss of surface epithelium down to the connective tissue, often appears depressed

Question 15

Papillary

Answer 15

Exhibiting numerous surface projections

Question 16

Verrucous

Answer 16

Exhibiting a rough, warty surface

Question 17

Sessile

Answer 17

Base is the widest part of the lesion

Question 18

Pedunculated

Answer 18

Base is narrower than the widest part of the lesion

Question 19

Erythematous

Answer 19

Red in color due to dilation and congestion of capillaries, increased blood flow. Implies injury, infection or inflammatory process

Question 20

Vesicle

Answer 20

Fluid filled, elevated, superficial, 5 mm or less in diameter

Question 21

Bulla

Answer 21

Fluid filled, elevated, superficial, greater than 5 mm in diameter

Question 22

Pustule

Answer 22

Superficial, circumscribed cavity filled with pus (purulent exudate)

Question 23

Indurated

Answer 23

Hardened

Question 24

Fluctuant

Answer 24

Wavelike on palpation due to liquid content

Question 25

Copious

Answer 25

Present in large quantity

Question 26

Dermatoglyphics

Answer 26

Lines forming a skin pattern

Question 27

Crenated

Answer 27

Scalloped