Integument System-Basic Terminology Flashcards
Macule
Circumscribed, flat discoloration (blue, red, brown, or hypopigmented)
Examples: freckles, petechiae, measles, flat mole, vitiligo (complete depigmentation)
Papule
Elevated, solid lesion. Color varies.
Examples: warts, elevated moles, lipoma, basal cell carcinoma
Plaque
Circumscribed, elevated, superficial, solid lesion.
Examples: psoriasis
Pustule
Elevated, superficial lesion filled with PURULENT fluid
Examples: acne, impetigo
Vesicle
Circumscribed, superficial collection of SEROUS fluid.
Examples: varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), second-degree burn
Wheal
Firm, edematous, irregularly shaped area. Size varies. May last ONLY A FEW HOURS.
Examples: insect bites, urticaria, angioedema
Atrophy
Depression in skin from THINNING of epidermis or dermis
Examples: aged skin, striae (stretch marks)
Excoriation
Area in which EPIDERMIS is MISSING, exposing the dermis
Examples: abrasion, scratch
Fissure
Linear crack or break from the epidermis to the dermis. Dry or moist.
Examples: athlete’s foot, chapping, eczema
Scale
Excess, dead epidermal cells make by abnormal keratinization and shedding
Examples: flaking of skin after a drug reaction or sunburn
Scar
Abnormal formation of connective tissue that replaces normal skin
Examples: surgical incision, healed wound
Ulcer
Loss of the epidermis AND dermis. Crater-like, irregular shape. Heals with scarring.
Examples: pressure ulcer
Skin color change: bluish (cyanosis)
Increased amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin (associated with hypoxia and is a late sign of decreased oxygen levels)
Assessment locations: nail beds, lips, base of tongue, skin
Skin color change: pallor (decrease in color)
Reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin (cause: anemia, shock), reduced visibility of oxyhemoglobin from decreased blood flow.
Assessment locations: face, conjunctiva, nail beds, palms of hands, skin, lips
Skin color change: loss of pigmentation (vitiligo)
Congenital autoimmune condition causing lack of pigment.
Assessment locations: patchy areas on face, hands, arms