unit 4 (integumentary system) - medical vocabulary Flashcards
acne
inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that produces pimples on the skin
albinism
an inherited condition that prevents the normal production of melanin, resulting in extremely pale skin and white hair
allergy skin test
a test used to identify allergies
alopecia
hair loss that results from genetics, normal aging, illness, or drugs used to treat certain diseases
anesthetic
a drug that causes a reversible loss of sensation or pain; used to temporarily deaden pain
antibiotic
a drug that fights or prevents bacterial infections
antifungal
a drug used to fight off fungal infections
antipruritic
a drug used to inhibit itching
antiviral
a drug used to treat viral infections, such as herpes
arrector pili
bundles of small muscle fibers
autograft
the surgical transfer of tissue from one part of a patient’s body to another part of the same body
basal cell carcinoma
a commonly slow-growing, malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis that typically does not metastasize
basal layer
the deepest layer of the epidermis that is constantly growing and multiplying, with younger cells pushing old cells to the surface
blepharoplasty
plastic surgery of the eyelid
biologic
a drug derived from living organisms through molecular biology techniques; used to disrupt the autoimmune response in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination
cauterization
destruction of tissue through the application of heat, cold, or an electrical current
chemical peel
the use of chemicals to remove outer layers of the skin
cicatrix
a scar left by a healed wound
collagen
a fibrous protein found in skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments
corticosteroid
a drug used to treat skin conditions linked to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
cryosurgery
the destruction of abnormal tissue through freezing with liquid nitrogen
curettage
the removal of tissue by scraping the surface
cuticle
a narrow band of epidermal tissue attached to the surface of the nail
cyanosis
the appearance of a blue or purple discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient blood oxygen or poor circulation
cyst
a closed, thick-walled sac or pouch containing fluid or semisolid material that develops in a cavity or other structure of the body
debridement
the removal of damaged tissue and foreign debris to prevent infection and promote healing
dermabrasion
the use of abrasive materials to remove layers of skin
dermatologist
a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions and diseases of the skin, hair, and nails
dermatology technician
a specialized medical assistant who works in the skin-care field
dermoplasty
the replacement of damaged skin with donor skin from a different region of the body
dermis
the layer of skin that lies directly below the epidermis, and which is made up of connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers, hair follicles, and sebaceous and sweat glands
ecchymosis
black-and-blue or purplish bruise caused by ruptured blood vessels beneath the skin
eczema
acute or chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythema, itchiness, and edema (swelling)
epidermis
the outermost layer of skin
epithelial tissue
tissue, composed of densely packed cells, that covers the surface of the body and also lines internal organs and cavities
excisional biopsy
the surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor
excretion
the process of eliminating waste products from the body
exfoliative cytology
a biopsy in which living tissue is scraped
first-degree burn
a skin burn characterized by superficial epidermal lesions