Introductory terminology

Question 1

Define: DISEASE

Answer 1

A certain destructive process in an organism. It usually has a specific cause and characteristic signs and symptoms.

Question 2

Define: SIGN

Answer 2

Objective evidence of disease. Clinician-discovered.

Question 3

Define: SYMPTOM

Answer 3

Subjective evidence of disease. Patient-described. It’s what the pt tells the clinician. Examples of ‘symptoms’ = pain and weakness

Question 4

Define: ASYMPTOMATIC

Answer 4

A disease exhibiting no symptoms.

Question 5

Define: LOCAL/LOCALISED

Answer 5

The disease is restricted to a part or small area of the body.

Question 6

Define: GENERALISED

Answer 6

The disease affects all parts of the body, or covers a large area (many organ systemic).

Question 7

Define: INCIPIENT

Answer 7

A disease or disorder that is just beginning.

Question 8

Define: ACUTE

Answer 8

A sudden onset of symptoms. Usually only last for a short duration.

Question 9

Define: CHRONIC

Answer 9

A prolonged disease process. Symptoms generally of a constant nature.

Question 10

Define: INNOCUOUS/BLAND-LOOKING CELL

Answer 10

Refers to a cell that appears benign histologically.

Question 11

Define: ATYPICAL

Answer 11

Abnormal or unusual appearance.

Question 12

Define: MACULE

Answer 12

A small patch of skin that is altered in colour, but not elevated (<1.5cm in diameter).

Question 13

Define: PAPULE

Answer 13

Are small palpable lesions. The usual definition is that they are less than 0.5cm in diameter. Are raised above the skin surface, and may be solitary or multiple.

Question 14

Define: NODULE

Answer 14

A little larger than a papule. Greater than 0.5cm in diameter and less than 2cm.

Question 15

Define: PLAQUE

Answer 15

Solid raised lesion; are larger than papules. Covers a larger area than papule.

Question 16

Define: WHEAL/HIVE

Answer 16

Covers a large area. More related to allergies. Caused by swelling in the dermis. Wheals often indicate Urticaria  allergy is not of a very high level; low-level (itchy skin, scratching causes slightly elevated lesions). More than 5 cm.

Question 17

Define: VESICLE

Answer 17

A circumscribed elevated lesion that contains free fluid. Are 0.5 cm diameter in size or less.

Question 18

Define: BULLA

Answer 18

A fluid-filled blister more than 5mm in diameter with thin walls. Is bigger than a vesicle. Has thin walls.

Question 19

Define: PUSTULE (ABSCESS)

Answer 19

A circumscribed elevated lesion with contains pus. An abscess is usually in the dermis or subcutis.

Question 20

Define: CYST

Answer 20

A pathological cavity that is filled with air, fluids or semi-solid material, surrounded by a definitive connective tissue wall or capsule. Usually has an epithelial lining.

Question 21

Define: EROSION

Answer 21

Where the top layer of mucosa of skin is gone. A denudation of epithelium above the basal cell layer. Some of the basal cell layer is still attached.

Question 22

Define: ULCER

Answer 22

A loss of epithelium that extends below the basal cell layer.

Question 23

Define: TELANGIESCTASIA

Answer 23

Dilated superficial blood vessels, especially of upper reticular dermal plexus.

Question 24

Define: PURPURA

Answer 24

Reddish to purple flat lesions caused by blood from vessels leaking into the subcutaneous tissue. Measures 3-10mm.

Question 25

Define: PETECHIAE

Answer 25

Purpuric lesions that measure <3mm.

Question 26

Define: ECCHYMOSES

Answer 26

Purpuric lesion >10mm.

Question 27

Define: SCALE

Answer 27

A heaping-up of stratum corneum or keratin.

Question 28

Define: CRUST

Answer 28

An accumulation of serum, blood or purulent exudate. Vs scab  crusting is a little more reddish, but the terms are pretty similar.

Question 29

Define: SCLEROSIS

Answer 29

A hardening (or induration) of skin. More fibrous tissue present.

Question 30

Define: SCAR

Answer 30

Fibrous tissue replacing normal skin in areas of healing. When replaced by connective tissue; collagen fibres  more fibrous tissue  causes scarring

Question 31

Define: NIKOLSY’S SIGN

Answer 31

A deadhesion of skin assessed by light pressure at the edge of a pre-existing bulla. Aka when slight rubbing of the skin results in the exfoliation of the outermost layer.