The Integumentary System I: Reaction of the Skin to Diseases

Vocabulary flashcards covering macroscopic and microscopic lesions of the skin as described in the lecture by Dr. Gabriel Doe Ketemepi.

Excoriation

A traumatic lesion breaking the epidermis and causing a red linear mark (i.e., a deep scratch); often self-inflicted.

Ulcer

A break in continuity of the epithelium brought about by molecular necrosis.

Lichenification

Thickened and rough skin characterized by prominent skin markings; usually the result of repeated rubbing.

Macule

A flat, circumscribed area, $5\,mm$ or less in diameter, distinguished from surrounding skin by coloration.

Patch

A flat, circumscribed area distinguished from surrounding skin by coloration, greater than $5\,mm$ in diameter.

Papule

A solid, rounded growth that is elevated from the skin, $5\,mm$ or less in diameter.

Nodule

A solid, rounded growth that is elevated from the skin, greater than $5\,mm$ in diameter.

Plaque

Elevated flat-topped lesion, usually greater than $5\,mm$ in diameter.

Pustule

Discrete, pus-filled raised lesion.

Scale

Dry, horny, platelike excrescence; usually the result of imperfect cornification.

Vesicle

Fluid-filled raised area $5\,mm$ or less in diameter.

Bulla

Fluid-filled raised area greater than $5\,mm$ in diameter.

Blister

A common term used for both vesicles and bullae.

Wheal

Itchy transient elevated lesion with variable blanching and erythema formed as a result of dermal edema.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Acantholysis

Loss of intercellular adhesion of keratinocytes.

Acanthosis

Diffuse epidermal hyperplasia.

Hyperkeratosis

Hyperplasia of the stratum corneum, often associated with a qualitative abnormality of keratin.

Dyskeratosis

Abnormal keratinization occurring prematurely within individual cells or groups of cells below the stratum granulosum.

Parakeratosis

Keratinization characterized by retention of the nuclei in the stratum corneum; normal on squamous mucosal membranes like buccal mucosa.

Lentiginous

Linear melanocyte proliferation along the epidermal basal cell layer; can occur as a reactive change or as part of a melanocytic neoplasm.

Papillomatosis

Surface elevation caused by hyperplasia and enlargement of dermal papillae.

Spongiosis

Intercellular edema of the epidermis, often seen in eczema, pempigus, and seborrheic dermatitis.