Lesson 1: Skin A+P & Dermatologic Terms

Question 1

Characteristics of healthy skin

Answer 1

1) Dry
2) Supple (use of emollients and humectants)
3) Acidic (pH 4 - 6.8)

Question 2

Epidermis (constituents + sub layers)

Answer 2

1) Stratum corneum
2) Stratum lucidum
3) Stratum granulosum
4) Stratum spinosum
5) Stratum basale

Question 3

Stratum corneum

Answer 3

• outermost layer
• dead/sloughing keratinocytes

Question 4

Stratum Lucidum

Answer 4

• on palms + soles only

Question 5

Stratum Granulosum

Answer 5

• site of keratinocyte production
• ceramides maintain moisture

Question 6

Stratum Spinosum

Answer 6

• desmosomes for structural integrity
• reduction of frictional trauma

Question 7

Stratum Basale

Answer 7

Reproductive base layer

Question 8

Key cells of epidermis

Answer 8

• keratinocytes (skin cell)
• melanocytes (pigmentation + UV protection)
• nerve cells + receptors (temp, pressure, pain, irritants)
• langerhans cells (immune cells)
• rete ridges (structural integrity)

Question 9

Dermal Layer

Answer 9

Papillary dermis + reticular dermis

Question 10

Key cells of dermis

Answer 10

• fibroblasts (synthesize collagen + elastin)
• macrophages (WBC for phagocytosis)
• mast cells (histamine production)
• nerve cells (temp, pressure, pain, irritants)
• epidermal appendages (follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands)

Question 11

Subcutaneous Layer

Answer 11

• adipose tissue
• connective tissue
• blood vessels
• lymphatic vessels
• nerve cells

Question 12

Muscle Layer

Answer 12

• direct contact with bone
• no regeneration capabilities

Question 13

Macule/Patch

Answer 13

• flat area that is clearly defined by change in skin color
• macule = < 0.5 cm
• patch = >0.5 cm
• ie. freckle or birth mark

Question 14

Papule/Plaque

Answer 14

• elevated and superficial lesion
• papule = <0.5 cm
• plaque = >0.5 cm

Question 15

Vesicle/Bulla

Answer 15

• superficial, fluid-filled blister
• vesicle = <0.5 cm
• bulla = >0.5 cm

Question 16

Pustule/Abscess

Answer 16

• superficial, elevated lesion filled with purulent fluid
• if localized = pustule
• if soft tissue collection = abscess

Question 17

Denudation

Answer 17

• superficial skin loss
• patchy or extensive

Question 18

Erythema

Answer 18

• generalized redness
• usually with patchy denudation

Question 19

Scale/Crust

Answer 19

• loose fragments of stratum corneum
• crust = dried exudate on surface

Question 20

Erosion/Uncler

Answer 20

Erosion = superficial skin loss
Ulcer = lesion extending into dermis with well-defined edges

Question 21

Fissure

Answer 21

• linear crack extending into/past dermis
• moisture and friction issues, not pressure

Question 22

Hyperpigmentation

Answer 22

• darkened areas of skin d/t
  1) increased melanocyte production or
  2) hemosiderin staining

Question 23

Granulation tissue

Answer 23

• proliferative tissues made of newly synthesized connective tissue proteins
• “raw beef” appearance

Question 24

Eschar

Answer 24

• avascular tissue
• grey, brown, or black in colour
• wet or dry

Question 25

Slough

Answer 25

• avascular + necrotic
• yellow or white in colour

Question 26

Biofilm

Answer 26

Recurrent film produced d/t high bacterial loads

Question 27

Tunneling

Answer 27

Areas of tissue destruction extending from wound bed, underneath intact skin

Question 28

Undermining

Answer 28

Areas of tissue destruction extending underneath intact skin along wound edge