General Glossary Flashcards
1
Q
Archard Thiers Syndrome
A
Hormonal disorder seen in postmenopausal women with diabetes, characterized by growth of body hair in a masculine distribution
2
Q
Acquired
A
Incurred as a result of factors acting from or originating outside the organism; not inherited
3
Q
Acute
A
Sharp; having severe symptoms and a short course
4
Q
ACTH
A
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
5
Q
Adrenal gland
A
Either of two secretory organs perched atop the kidneys. Each consists of two parts having independent functions: the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex, in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, secretes cortisol and androgens
6
Q
Adrenal virilism
A
The development in a female or male secondary sexual characteristics resulting from excessive production of androgenic hormones
7
Q
Alopecia
A
Partial or complete lack of hair. Absence of hair from the skin areas where it is normally present
8
Q
Amenorrhea
A
Absence or, or abnormal stoppage of, the menses
9
Q
Ampere
A
A measurement of electrical current flow
10
Q
Anagen
A
Growing phase of the hair cycle during which synthesis of hair takes place
11
Q
Anaphoresis
A
The process of forcing liquids into unbroken skin using the negative pole
12
Q
Androgens
A
Any steroid hormone that increases male characteristics
13
Q
Androgenic
A
Producing masculine characteristics
14
Q
Anode
A
The positive pole
15
Q
Anovular, anovulatory
A
Without ovulation. Chronic anovulation is a common sign of infertility
16
Q
Antiseptic
A
A chemical used on or in living tissue to inhibit or destroy microorganisms. The chemicals and concentrations used for antisepsis are not typically the same as those used for disinfection; not appropriate for cleaning for disinfecting inanimate substances. Regulated by the FDA
17
Q
Apocrine sweat glands
A
Found primarily in the skin in the armpit and in the pigmented skin areas around the genitals. They are larger than eccrine glands, and instead of watery sweat, they secret a thicker secretion. Aprocrine glands enlarge and begin to function at puberty
18
Q
Areola
A
The pigmented ring surrounding the nipple of the breast
19
Q
Artery
A
A blood vessel which carries blood away from the heart to the various parts of the body
20
Q
Asepsis
A
The freedom from infection; the prevention of contact with microorganisms
21
Q
Autonomic nerve
A
The part of the nervous system that is responsibility for control and regulation of involuntary bodily functions
22
Q
Axilla (plural axillae)
A
Armpit or underarm
23
Q
Bacillus (plural bacilli)
A
Any rod shaped microorganism
24
Q
Bacteria
A
Minute, one celled, vegetable, microorganisms
25
Bactericide
Agent that destroys bacteria
26
Basal cell carcinoma
Most common, least severe type of skin cancer. Usually begins as a pearly nodule
27
Blanching
Whitening of the epidermis resulting from overtreating the skin with high frequency current
28
Blend method
The use of galvanic and high frequency currents used either superimposed on one another or sequentially
29
Bulbous
Pertaining to, or like a bulb, in shale and structure. Bulbous needle
30
Bulla
Blister containing fluid
31
Calamine
A mild antiseptic pink lotion containing zinc oxide and ferric oxide in alcohol used for the treatment of dermatitis
32
Capillary
One of the tiny blood vessels that connect the arteries and veins
33
Carcinoma
A new growth or malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue and may infiltrate local tissues or produce metastases
34
Catagen
Transition phase of hair growth cycle
35
Cataphoresis
The use of the positive electrode to force
36
Cathode
Is the negative pole in direct current
37
Caustic
A corrosive chemical or agent which is capable of burning or destroying living tissue
38
Cell
Unit of protoplasm consisting of a nucleus, surrounded by cytoplasm, and enclosed in the cell membrane
39
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord, enclosed by the skull and vertebral canal
40
Chloasma
Brown patches of irregular shape and size of the skin, commonly called melasma, and is associated with pregnancy, menopause, or oral contraceptives
41
Chronic disease
Illness of long duration; recurring
42
Cilia
Eyelashes; small, motile hair like extensions from a cell
43
Circuit
A complete path over which electrical current may flow
44
Circulatory system
The body's system of blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and cleansing wastes from all body areas
45
Club hair
A non-living hair that is detached from the lower portion of the hair follicle, after the telogen stage
46
Coagulate
To cause clot. To change from liquid to solid
47
Comedone
Aka blackhead. A plug in an excretory duct of the skin, containing microorganisms and keratin squamae, bacteria, and sebum
48
Conductor
A material that will conduct electrical current
49
Congenital
Existing at birth, referring to certain mental or physical traits
50
Contagious
Capable of being transmitted from one person to another
51
Contamination
The soiling or making jnferior by contact or mixture such as the introduction of organisms in a wound
52
Converter
An electrical device for converting direct current to alternating current
53
Corium
Also called cutis, true skin, or dermis. The layer under the epidermis, consisting of dense vascular connective tissue, and containing the nerves and terminal organs of sensation, the hair like roots and sebaceous and sweat glands
54
Corpuscle
A small mass or body. A blood cell
55
Cortex
The second or middle layer of the hair shaft. Also the external layer of an organ or other body structure.
56
Corticosteroid
The steroids produced by the adrenal cortex, including cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, etc
57
Cortisone
A hormone produced by the adrenal
58
Cushing's syndrome
Condition resulting from a hyper functioning of the adrenal cortex. Symptoms include obesity with a round face, thin skin that bruises easily, muscle weakness, bone loss and elevated blood sugar, excess hair and amenorrhea. Use of steroid drugs may also produce these symptoms
59
DC
Direct current
60
Dermal papilla
An elevation of the projecting corium under the surface of a hair bulb. It contains capillaries through which a hair receives its nourishment
61
Dermis
The layer below the epidermis of the skin; corium or true skin
62
Diabetic
One who has diabetes, a disease associated with insufficient insulin production
63
Diathermy
This relates to the raising of the body tissue temperature using high frequency current, short wave, microwave or ultrasonic wave
64
Dimpling
The temporary formation of slight depressions in the epidermis, that result when the electrolysis needle insertion is incorrect or when the pressure on the needle is excessive
65
Direct current
Electric current that flows in one direction only. Electrolysis current, DC
66
Disease
Any departure from health; illness in general. A particular destructive process in an organ or organism with a specific cause and characteristic symptoms
67
Disinfection
A process that reduces the level of microbial contamination. A disinfectant is a chemical or physical agent that is applied to inanimate objects to kill microbes
68
Distorted hair follicle
A hair follicle that may have been damaged from a previous event or naturally bent out of a normal shape
69
Dry heat sterilizer
A forced air oven type device specifically designed to sterilize items by exposure to high temperatures for designated exposure periods. Dry heat sterilizers are regulated by the FDA
70
Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation
71
Eccrine sweat gland
One of many glands distributed over the entire skin surface, that because they secrete sweat, are important in regulating body heat
72
Ecchymosis
A bruise; superficial bleeding under the skin or a mucous membrane
73
Eczema
A superficial inflammatory process involving primarily the epidermis; papilla and vesicles: weep, ooze, crust and often cause pigment changes
74
Edema
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in cells, tissues, or cavities of the body, resulting in swelling
75
Electrocoagulation
Coagulation of tissue by means of a high frequency electrical current
76
Electrode
Either pole or terminal of an electric cell. In electrolysis the needle is a negative electrode or cathode and the rod is a positive electrode
77
Electrodessication
Usually refers to minor surgery performed with an electrode; dehydration of tissue by use of high frequency current which produces heat
78
Electroepilation
The removal of hair from the human body by the application of electrical current
79
Electroepilator
A device which removes hair from the human body by the application of an electrical current. Electrolysis epilator
80
Electrologist
A person trained in Electrology; practitioner of electrolysis
81
Electrology
The procedure of using a needle with electrolysis, thermolysis, or blended currents for permanent hair removal. Also, the study of electrolysis
82
Electrolysis
The permanent removal of unwanted hair from the body by destroying the hair roots with an electrified needle
83
Electrolytic
Pertaining to electrolysis or to an electrolyte
84
Electron
Any of the negatively charged particles arranged in orbit around the nucleus of an atom
85
Electrosurgery
Surgery performed by electrical methods
86
Endocarditis
Infection or inflammation of the heart valves or of the lining of the heart
87
Endocrine system
A network of ductless glands and other structures that elaborate and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting the function of specific target organs. Glands of the endocrine system include the thyroid and the parathyroid, anterior pituitary, the posterior pituitary, the pancreas, the suprarenal glands and the gonads. Can affect various processes of the body, such as metabolism, growth, and secretions from other organs
88
Endocrinologist
An abnormal gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue grows and attaches itself in various locations in the pelvic cavity
89
Endospore
A thick walled spore produced by a bacterium to allow it to survive unfavorable conditions
90
Epidermis
The outer most, non vascular layer of the skin consisting of several layers
91
Epilate
To extract hair by the roots
92
Epilation
Extraction of hair
93
Epilator
Generic name for needle type electrolysis device
94
Epilepsy
Group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, or all of these
95
Epithelium
The cellular covering of the internal and external organs of the body including the lining of vessels. Consists of cells bound together by connective material and varies in the number of layers and the mind of cells
96
Erythema
Redness or inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes that is the result of congestion of superficial capillaries
97
Erythrocyte
Red blood cells or corpuscles: function is to transport oxygen
98
Eschar
A scab or dry crust resulting from a thermal or chemical burn or infection
99
Estrogen
General term for the female sex hormone including estradiol, estrone and estriol; produced in the ovaries (and in small amounts in the testes and adrenals). Estrogen is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics
100
Excoriation
An injury to the surface of the skin caused by scratching or abrasion
101
Excretion
The process of eliminating, shedding, or getting rid of substances from the body; waste matter that is produced by some cells
102
Exogen
At the end of the telogen phase of hair growth the hair shaft falls out. Coined in 1998 by Dr Stenn. Considered fourth stage of hair growth
103
Fibrin
Insoluble protein that is essential to clotting of blood
104
Fibroblast
A connective tissue cell that forms the fibrous tissue of the body
105
Follicle
A sac or pouch-like depression or cavity: one of the tubular invaginations of the epidermis enclosing the hairs, and from which the hairs grow.
106
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Hormone given off by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland that stimulates development of ovarian follicles and secretion of estrogens
107
Freckle
Pigmented spot on the skin due to accumulation of melanin resulting from exposure to sunlight
108
Frequency
In electricity, the number of cycles per second of alternating current
109
Forceps
The instrument used in Electrology treatment to lift the hair from the follicle. Forceps are critical items and require sterilization
110
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone
111
Fungus
Simple parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll, true roots, stems and leaves and reproduced by spores. Feed on living or dead organic material
112
Furuncle
A boil. Painful nodule generally formed in the hair follicle due to a bacterial infection which is often caused by staphylococci
113
Galvanic current
DC electrical current flowing in on direction. The current used in electrolysis which causes a chemical decomposition in the follicle by electrolytic action
114
Germ
A pathogenic microorganism. A unit of living matter able to develop into a self sufficient organism, such as a seed, spore, or egg
115
Germicide
An agent that kills pathogenic microorganisms
116
Germinativum
Deepest layer in epidermis comprised of stratum basale and stratum spinosum. This mitotic layer rests on the dermis and is where epithelial cells and melanocytes are produced
117
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes mellitus that begins during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester
118
Gland
Any one of many organs in the body, comprising specialized cells that secrete or excrete materials not related to their ordinary metabolism. Some glands lubricate while others like the pituitary gland produce hormones
119
Gonads
Primary sex glands. Ovary or testis
120
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of gonadotropin hormone by the anterior pituitary gland. Also stimulates release of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary
121
Hair
Slender threadlike outgrowth of the skin and scalp. Hair is an appendage of the skin and scalp. Composed of a protein called keratin
122
Hair bulb
A thickened club shaped structure which forms the lower part of the hair root. The lower part of the bulb is hollowed out to fit over and cover the hair papilla
123
Hair follicle
A tubelike depression or pocket in the skin or scalp that encases the hair. The follicle penetrates from the epidermis to the dermis or subcutis
124
Hair matrix
An area where actively dividing cells within the hair bulb produce hair
125
Hair shaft
Is the part of the hair that extends above the skin surface
126
Hematoma
A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the skin or in an organ. Usually results from trauma
127
Hemophilia
A congenital anomaly characterized by excessive bleeding due to the deficiency of the coagulation factor
128
Hemorrhage
Blood loss. Usually used to describe episodes of bleeding that last more than a few minutes, compromise organ or tissue perfusion, or threaten life
129
Henle's layer
The outer layer of cells of the inner root sheath of a hair follicle, lying between the outer root sheath and Huxley's layer
130
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver
131
Heredity
Pertaining to a characteristic, condition, or disease transmitted from parent to offspring; inborn; inheredited
132
Hermaphrodite
An individual with both male and female sex organs
133
Herpes
An inflammatory skin disease, characterized by the formation of small vesicles in clusters; contagious
134
Herpes genitalis
An infection caused by type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV2), usually transmitted by sexual contact: causes painful vesicular eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitalia of males and females
135
Herpes simplex
Acute viral skin disease marked by groups of vesicles on the skin, often on the borders of the lips (cold sores) or on the genitals. Often accompanies fever blisters. Virus can remain dormant in the body for a long time before manifesting. Often flares up at times of stress, illness, or trauma, during menstruation or after excessive sun exposure. Electrolysis may potentially reactivate the virus in susceptible individuals
136
Herpes zoster
Shingles. Caused by chicken pox virus. Affects nerves. Can be painful
137
High frequency current
Any radio frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz. Thermolysis modality of hair removal in which high frequency energy excites water molecules in base of the follicle causing the generation of heat, thus desiccating (baking) the tissue
138
Hirsutism
Presence of terminal hairs in skin where hair growth is considered masculine
139
Hormone
Chemical substance produced in the body by an organ which has specific regulatory effect on the activity of a certain organ. Hormones secreted by the endocrine glands are carried through the bloodstream to a specific target organ
140
HSV
Herpes simplex virus
141
Huxley's layer
The thickest of the three layers of the inner root sheath of a hair follicle, lying between Henle's layer and the inner sheath cuticle
142
Hygiene
Principles and science of the preservation of health and prevention of disease
143
Hypertrichosis
Excessive vellus hair growth
144
Hypertrophy
The enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to an increase in size of its constituent cells
145
Hyperplasia
Excessive formation of cells
146
Hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus
147
Latric hirsutism
Excessive hair growth that can be directly attributed to medical drug therapy
148
Idiopathic
Self-originating; occurring without known cause
149
Imbrication
Overlapping like roof top shingles. The cells of the outer layer of the hair shaft (cuticle) are imbricated
150
Impetigo
Bacterial infection of the skin. Fragile, grouped, pinhead vesicles or pustules that become confluent and rupture early, forming rapidly enlarging and spreading erosions with bright yellow crusts that are attached in the center and have elevated margins. Very contagious
151
Infundibulum
Upper portion of hair follicle, from the entrance of the sebaceous duct to the skin surface
152
Insulated needle
An electrolysis needle that is coated with insulating material, except for the tip
153
Insulin
A protein hormone, formed by the beta cells of the islands of the langerhans in the pancreas, and secreted into the blood
154
Isthmus
The part of the hair follicle between the point of attachment of the arrector pili muscle and the point of entry of the sebaceous gland
155
Intermediate hair
Hair dimension category that is midway between vellus and terminal when measured in terms of coarseness and texture
156
Ion
Electrically charged (either positive or negative) atom or groups of atoms
157
Lanugo hair
Soft, downy hair covering a normal fetus
158
Layer
Sheetlike mass of tissue of nearly uniform thickness, several of which may be superimposed, one above another, as in the epidermis
159
Lentigo
Tan or brown macule. Freckle
160
LH
Luteinizing hormone
161
Leukocyte
White blood cell or corpuscles
162
Leukoderma
Acquired condition with localized loss of skin pigmentation owing to any number of specific causes
163
Lipoma
A benign tumor usually composed of mature fat cells
164
Luteinizing hormones
In females, LH, working together with FSH, stimulates the growing follicle in the ovary to secrete estrogen. High concentrations of estrogen stimulate the release of a surge of LH, which stimulate ovulation
165
Macule
A stain, spot, or thickening. Discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface
166
Medulla
Inner most part of the hair shaft and is composed of round cells
167
Megahertz
A unit of frequency, equal to one million cycles per second
168
Melanocyte
The cell in the basal layer of the epidermis which produces melanin
169
Menorrhagia
Excessive uterine bleeding occurring at the regular intervals of menstruation, the period of flow being greater than usual duration
170
Menses
The monthly flow of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus
171
Menstruation
In the absence of pregnancy, the cyclic discharging of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus usually occurring at four week intervals, during the reproductive period of the human female
