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Medical Terminology > Lesson 10 > Flashcards

Lesson 10 Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

integumentary system

A

The integumentary system consists of the skin and its accessory organs-hair, nails, sensory nerve endings, sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands. The term integumentary is derived from the Latin word integumentum, which means “a covering”.

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2
Q

Albin/o

A

White

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3
Q

Cutane/o

A

Skin

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4
Q

Derm/o, dermat/o

A

Skin

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5
Q

Erythr/o

A

Red

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6
Q

Hidr/o

A

Sweat

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7
Q

Kerat/o

A

Hard

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8
Q

Lip/o

A

Fat, lipid

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9
Q

Melan/o

A

Black

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10
Q

Myc/o

A

Fungus

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11
Q

Onych/o

A

Fingernail or toenail

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12
Q

Pil/o

A

Hair

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13
Q

Py/o

A

Pus

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14
Q

Scler/o

A

Hard

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15
Q

Seb/o

A

Sebum

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16
Q

Ungu/o

A

Fingernail or toenail

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17
Q

Xer/o

A

Dry

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18
Q

epi-

A

Above

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19
Q

hyper-

A

Excessive

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20
Q

par-

A

Beside, near

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21
Q

sub-

A

Below

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22
Q

-derma

A

Skin

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23
Q

-ectomy

A

Surgical removal

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24
Q

-ia

A

Abnormal condition

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25
Q

-itis

A

Inflammation

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26
Q

-lysis

A

Destruction

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27
Q

-oma

A

Tumor

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28
Q

-osis

A

Abnormal condition

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29
Q

-plasty

A

Surgical repair

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30
Q

-rrhea

A

Discharge

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31
Q

alopecia

A

also known as baldness, is the partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp.

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32
Q

cellulitis

A

is an acute, rapidly spreading infection within the connective tissues that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks.

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33
Q

comedo

A

is a noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle.

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34
Q

erythema

A

is redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.

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35
Q

erythroderma

A

is abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.

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36
Q

hematoma

A

is a swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues.

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37
Q

impetigo

A

is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture.

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38
Q

keloid

A

is an abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision.

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39
Q

lipedema

A

is a chronic abnormal condition in women that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs.

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40
Q

malignant melanoma

A

is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes.

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41
Q

necrotizing fasciitis

A

also known as flesh-eating bacteria, is an infection of tissues caused by Group A streptococci, that can destroy body tissue, and may be fatal.

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42
Q

pediculosis

A

is an infestation with lice.

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43
Q

pruritus

A

also known as itching, is associated with most forms of dermatitis

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44
Q

purulent

A

means producing or containing pus.

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45
Q

rhytidectomy

A

also known as a facelift, is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat for the elimination of wrinkles.

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46
Q

scabies

A

is a skin infection caused by an infestation with the itch mite.

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47
Q

squamous cell carcinoma

A

originates as a malignant tumor of the thin scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems.

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48
Q

tinea

A

known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails.

49
Q

urticaria

A

also known as hives, are wheals caused by an allergic reaction.

50
Q

wheal

A

is a small bump that itches and often appears as a symptom of an allergic reaction.

51
Q

Circumscribed

A

Occurring in a well-defined area

52
Q

Comedones

A

Pores that are plugged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells

53
Q

Cutaneous

A

Pertaining to the skin

54
Q

Decubitus ulcer

A

Bedsore

55
Q

Diffuse

A

Spread out over a wide area, not localized

56
Q

Ecchymosis

A

Bruise

57
Q

Erythematous

A

Abnormal redness of the skin

58
Q

Exudate

A

Fluid that leaks out of an infected wound

59
Q

Inflammation

A

Tissue response to injury causing redness, warmth, swelling and/or pain

60
Q

Lesion

A

Area of tissue that has been damaged through injury or disease

61
Q

Localized

A

Confined to a particular area

62
Q

Nevus

A

Mole

63
Q

Pores

A

Tiny openings in the skin in which oil and sweat reach the surface.

64
Q

Pruritus

A

Itching

65
Q

Purulent

A

Containing pus

66
Q

Pus

A

Product of infection consisting of dead white blood cells and bacteria

67
Q

Sebum

A

Oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands

68
Q

Serous (serum) drainage

A

Wound drainage of plasma that is thin, clear, and watery.

69
Q

Suppurative

A

Producing pus

70
Q

Urticaria

A

Hives

71
Q

Verruca

A

Wart

72
Q

BCC

A

Basal cell carcinoma

73
Q

Bx

A

Biopsy

74
Q

cm

A

Centimeter

75
Q

I&D

A

Incision and drainage

76
Q

SC, subcu, Sub-Q

A

Subcutaneous

77
Q

SCC

A

Squamous cell carcinoma

78
Q

SLE

A

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

79
Q

Epidermis

A

The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. It provides a waterproof barrier and also protects underlying structures from ultraviolet rays, harmful chemicals, and pathogens.

80
Q

Stratum basale (basal cell layer)

A

The cells in this layer are constantly dividing and being pushed toward the surface. This layer is also home to melanocytes that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

81
Q

Stratum spinosum (squamous cell layer)

A

This is the thickest layer of the epidermis. Keratinocytes here produce keratin, which is a protective protein that makes up skin, nails, and hair.

82
Q

Stratum granulosum

A

This layer is made up of keratinocytes that have moved up from the squamous layer. As these cells move closer to the skin’s surface, they begin to flatten, eventually dying out.

83
Q

Stratum lucidem

A

This layer only exists on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

84
Q

Stratum corneum

A

This is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It consists of dead keratinocytes that are constantly being shed. The complete cell turnover from basal cell to stratum corneum takes about four weeks.

85
Q

Dermis

A

The dermis is the inner layer of the skin. It is composed of dense connective tissue with collagen fibers, which gives the skin strength and elasticity. It is well supplied with blood vessels and nerves. It also contains the other skin organs-sweat glands, oil glands, hair follicles, and nail roots.

86
Q

Subcutaneous Layer

A

The subcutaneous layer (or hypodermis) is not actually part of the skin, but it helps to anchor the skin to the underlying structures. This layer also guards against heat loss and provides insulation.

The subcutaneous layer is largely composed of adipose tissue (fat tissue), which is made up of lipocytes, or fat cells. The location and thickness of subcutaneous tissue differ by gender. Men tend to accumulate more around the abdomen and the shoulders, while women tend to accumulate it around the thighs, the hips, and the buttocks

87
Q

Sweat Glands

A

Sweat glands, also called sudoriferous glands, are tiny coiled glands found on almost all body surfaces. The majority of them are “eccrine” sweat glands, which are found in large numbers on the soles of the feet, the palms, the forehead and cheeks, and in the armpits. Eccrine glands open directly onto the surface of the skin. Eccrine glands secrete an odorless, clear fluid that helps the body to control its temperature by promoting heat loss through evaporation.

88
Q

Sebaceous Glands

A

Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs in the skin that are connected to hair follicles. They secrete an oily substance called sebum that is released through ducts opening into the hair follicles. The sebum then moves onto the surface and lubricates and waterproofs the skin.

89
Q

What are Goosebumps?

A

The hair-raising sensation known as goosebumps resembles the skin of poultry after the feathers have been plucked. When we experience cold temperature, intense emotion (excitement, fear, shock), or even a reaction to a remarkable performance (“That song gave me goosebumps”), the nervous system sends a message to nerve endings that trigger the arrector pili muscles to cause the hairs on our arms, legs, or torso to stand up straight. The hairs also pull a little bump of skin up with them. In animals, hair standing on end provides insulation against the cold. Scientists, however, don’t believe goosebumps have any beneficial function in humans.

90
Q

macule

A

A macule is a circumscribed area of change in skin color without elevation or depression that is less than 1 cm in diameter. A freckle is an example of a macule.

91
Q

papule

A

A papule is a superficial, elevated, solid lesion, generally less than 0.5 cm in diameter. An insect bite is an example of a papule.

92
Q

plaque

A

A plaque is a plateau-like elevation above the skin surface formed by closely spaced papules. Plaques from psoriasis are examples.

93
Q

nodule

A

A nodule is a palpable, solid lesion that is larger than a papule and may involve the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The depth of involvement and the size differentiates a nodule from a papule. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop nodules under the skin, usually near joints.

94
Q

wheal

A

A wheal, also known as a welt, is a rounded pale red papule that itches. It usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours. Hives from an allergic reaction are an example.

95
Q

crust

A

A crust develops when serum, blood, or pus dries on the skin’s surface. A scab is an example of a crust.

96
Q

scar

A

A scar (or cicatrix) is the fibrous tissue replacement after damage to the skin from a wound or injury. Since skin cannot regenerate, the collagen in scar tissue reconnects the broken skin. Scar tissue is less strong and less elastic than the tissue it is replacing, and sweat glands and hair follicles are not present in scar tissue.

97
Q

ulcer

A

An ulcer is an open skin defect that extends into the dermis and always heals with scar formation. A bedsore is an example of an ulcer.

98
Q

vesicle/bulla

A

A vesicle/bulla is a circumscribed, elevated, superficial cavity containing fluid. A vesicle is less than 0.5 cm, and a bulla is more than 0.5 cm. Often the roof of the vesicle/bulla is so thin that it is transparent, and the clear fluid (serum) in the cavity can be seen. The blisters that occur with poison ivy are vesicles.

99
Q

pustule

A

A pustule is a circumscribed lesion of the skin that contains pus. Pustules thus differ from vesicles in that they do not have clear content. An acne pimple is an example of a pustule.

100
Q

abscess

A

An abscess on the skin presents initially as a tender red nodule and, in time, pus collects within a central space. An abscess is commonly caused by a bacterium, usually Staph aureus, that has penetrated an open area of the skin.

101
Q

cyst

A

A cyst under the skin is a closed pocket containing liquid or semisolid material and may be superficial or deep. When skin cysts enlarge or become inflamed, they may need to be opened and drained. Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne.

102
Q

Blackheads

A

Blackheads (open comedones). Blackheads are pores that have been blocked by sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They have a small, black opening at the top that is not dirt. It’s from the process of oxidation when the sebum is exposed to air.

103
Q

Whiteheads

A

Whiteheads (closed comedones). These pustules are sealed over and have a small white pus filled top.

104
Q

Papules

A

Papules. Acne papules are red bumps on the skin.

105
Q

Cysts

A

Cysts. These are pus-filled, deep, painful lesions that often result in scars.

106
Q

Nodules

A

Nodules. These inflamed lesions are hard, painful lumps under the skin that can be filled with pus.

107
Q

Cellulitis

A

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue most often caused by streptococci or staphylococci. Symptoms and signs are pain, warmth, rapidly spreading erythema, and edema. Fever may occur, and regional lymph nodes may enlarge in more serious infections. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice. Prognosis is excellent with timely treatment.

108
Q

Tinea (Ringworm)

A

Tinea is an infection caused by a fungus. It is called ringworm because it can cause a ring-shaped rash on the skin.

109
Q

Skin Cancer

A

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and commonly develops in sun-exposed areas of skin.

110
Q

Basal cell carcinoma (about 80%)

A

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arises from keratinocytes near the basal layer of the epidermis. BCC is very slow growing, and there is no tendency to metastasize. Treatment usually involves surgical excision.

111
Q

Squamous cell carcinoma (about 16%)

A

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises when keratinocytes in the epidermis invade the dermis. Metastases can occur in advanced stages. Treatment usually involves surgical excision.

112
Q

Malignant melanoma (about 4%)

A

Malignant melanoma of the skin arises from melanocytes, and causes the most skin cancer deaths because of its propensity to invade and metastasize. Treatment of melanoma involves wide surgical excision. Metastatic melanoma is treated with immunotherapy or molecular targeted therapy.

113
Q

Warts (Verrucae)

A

Common warts are small, hard skin lesions with a rough appearance that are caused when a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the surface of the skin. Warts can grow on any part of the skin, but commonly the hands, fingers, elbows, and knees. Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet. Warts can spread to other parts of the body, and they are also contagious to others.

114
Q

Pressure Sore (Bedsore)

A

A pressure sore is an area of skin and underlying tissue that is injured when compressed between a bone and a hard surface (such as the tail bone and a mattress) for a prolonged period of time. Other names for pressure sores are decubitus ulcers and bedsores. The consequences of this type of skin injury range from mild skin redness to deep ulcers extending down to the bone.

115
Q

Burns

A

Burns of the skin can result from exposure to hot water or steam, hot objects, flames, chemicals, electricity, or overexposure to the sun.

Burns were previously classified as first, second, third, or fourth degree, based on the thickness of the skin burned. This system is being replaced with a system that better describes which burns require surgical treatment.

116
Q

Superficial skin burns

A

Previously called first-degree burns, involve only the top layer of skin, are painful, dry, and red. Superficial burns generally heal without scarring. Non-blistering sunburns are an example of a superficial skin burn.

117
Q

Superficial partial-thickness skin burns

A

Previously called second-degree burns, involve the top two layers of skin, are painful, seep fluid, red, and usually form blisters. The burned area may permanently become darker or lighter in color, but a scar does not usually form. Sunburns that blister after several hours are good examples of superficial partial-thickness burns.

118
Q

Deep partial-thickness skin burns

A

Previously called third-degree burns, extend deeper into the skin, are painful and almost always form blisters. Deep partial-thickness burns develop a scar, which may be severe. Burns that blister immediately are deep partial-thickness burns.

119
Q

Full-thickness burns

A

Previously called fourth-degree burns, extend through all layers of the skin, completely destroying the skin. The burned area usually does not hurt, is a waxy white or charred black color, and the skin is dry. Full-thickness burns cannot heal without surgical treatment, and scarring is usually severe.

Medical Terminology (19 decks)

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