Pathology

Question 1

Define parakeratosis

Answer 1

persistence of nuclei in the keratin layer (epidermis is turning over too quickly or may be premalignant)

Question 2

Define hyperkeratosis

Answer 2

increased thickness of keratin layer

Question 3

Define acanthosis

Answer 3

increased thickness of the epidermis

Question 4

Define Papillomatosis

Answer 4

irregular epithelial thickening

Question 5

Define spongiosis

Answer 5

Oedema fluid between squames appears to increase prominence of intercellular prickles. If severe vesicles filled by oedema fluid develop. (oedema in the epidermis)

Question 6

4 classifications of inflammatory skin diseases?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Define acantholysis

Answer 7

loss of intercellular connections e.g. desmosomes so the keratinocytes just float away from each other.