Pathology

Question 1

Define hyperkeratosis

Answer 1

Increased thickness of keratin layer

Question 2

Define parakeratosis

Answer 2

Persistence of nuclei in the keratin layer

Question 3

Define acanthosis

Answer 3

Increased thickness of epithelium

Question 4

Define papillomatosis

Answer 4

Irregular epithelial thickening

Question 5

Define spongiosis

Answer 5

Oedema fluid in epidermis (in intercellula spaces)

Question 6

4 main reaction patterns of inflammatory skin diseases

Answer 6

1. Spongiotic – intraepidermal oedema e.g. eczema
2. Psoriasiform – elongation of the rete ridges e.g. psoriasis
3. Lichenoid – basal layer damage e.g. lichen planus and lupus
4. Vesiculobullous – blistering e.g. pemphigoid, pemphigus and dermatitis herpetiformis

Question 7

Define hypergranulosis

Answer 7

Increased thickness of the granular layer of the epidermis, associated w/ hyperkeratosis

Question 8

Define orthohyperkeratosis

Answer 8

Hypertrophy of the horny layer of the skin

Question 9

Define acantholysis

Answer 9

Loss of intercellular connections, e.g. desmosomes

Question 10

Which sites of the skin are most commonly affected by pemphigus vulgaris?

Answer 10

Scalp, face, axillae, groin, trunk

May also affect mucosa, e.g. mouth & resp. tract

Question 11

Where in the skin does bullous pemphigoid affect?

Answer 11

Subepidermal