Descriptive Terminology

Question 1

Lesion

Answer 1

a general term to denote a pathologic or traumatic change in the tissue

Question 2

Macule

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Patch

Answer 3

area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings that is greater than 2 cm in diameter

Question 4

Papule

Answer 4

solid, raised lesion less than 5 mm in diameter

Question 5

Nodule

Answer 5

solid, raised lesion greater than 5 mm in diameter

Question 6

Erythematous

Answer 6

red in color

Question 7

Sessile

Answer 7

base is widest part of elevated lesion

Question 8

Pedunculated

Answer 8

base of elevated lesion is narrower than the widest part (has a stalk)

Question 9

Papillary

Answer 9

exhibiting numerous surface projections

Question 10

Verrucous

Answer 10

exhibiting a rough, warty surface

Question 11

Erosive

Answer 11

superficial, partial loss of surface epithelium; may arise secondarily from rupture of bulla (blister)

Question 12

Ulcerated

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Fissure

Answer 13

narrow, slit-like ulceration or groove

Question 14

plaque

Answer 14

slightly elevated and generally flat, often white

Question 15

petechiae

Answer 15

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

Question 16

purpura

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Ecchymosis

Answer 17

flat area of hemorrhage larger than 1 cm; bruise

Question 18

Vesicle

Answer 18

fluid-filled, elevated, superficial, 5 mm or less in diameter

Question 19

Bulla

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Pustule

Answer 20

superficial, circumscribed cavity filled w/ puss

Question 21

indurated

Answer 21

hardened

Question 22

fluctuant

Answer 22

wavelike on palpation due to fluid content

Question 23

copious

Answer 23

present in large quantity

Question 24

dermatoglyphics

Answer 24

lines forming a skin pattern

Question 25

crenated

Answer 25

scalloped

Question 26

scale

Answer 26

flakes of retained surface keratin

Question 27

crust

Answer 27

dried blood, serum, or purulent exudate on the skin surface

Question 28

a general term to denote a pathologic or traumatic change in tissue

Answer 28

lesion

Question 29

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

Answer 29

macule

Question 30

area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings that is greater than 2 cm in diameter, flat

Answer 30

Patch

Question 31

solid, raised lesion less than 5 mm in diameter

Answer 31

papule

Question 32

solid, raised lesion greater than 5 mm in diameter

Answer 32

nodule

Question 33

red in color

Answer 33

erythematous

Question 34

base is widest part of an elevated lesion

Answer 34

sessile

Question 35

base of elevated lesion is narrower than the widest part

Answer 35

pedunculated

Question 36

exhibiting numerous surface projections

Answer 36

papillary

Question 37

exhibiting a rough, warty surface

Answer 37

verrucous

Question 38

superficial, partial loss of surface epithelium; may arise secondarily form rupture of bulla

Answer 38

erosive

Question 39

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

Answer 39

ulcerated

Question 40

narrow, slit-like ulceration or groove

Answer 40

fissure

Question 41

slightly elevated and generally flat, often white

Answer 41

plaque

Question 42

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

Answer 42

petechiae

Question 43

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

Answer 43

purpura

Question 44

flat area of hemorrhage larger than 1 cm, bruise

Answer 44

ecchymosis

Question 45

fluid-filled, elevated superficial, 5 mm or less in diameter

Answer 45

vesicle

Question 46

fluid-filled, elevated, superficial, greater than 5 mm in diameter

Answer 46

bulla

Question 47

superficial, circumscribed cavity filled w/ pus

Answer 47

pustule

Question 48

hardened

Answer 48

indurated

Question 49

wavelike on palpation due to fluid content

Answer 49

fluctuant

Question 50

present in large quantity

Answer 50

copious

Question 51

lines forming a skin pattern

Answer 51

dermatoglyphics

Question 52

scalloped

Answer 52

crenated

Question 53

flakes of retained surface keratin

Answer 53

scale

Question 54

dried blood, serum or purulent exudate on the skin surface

Answer 54

crust