Pathology of Medical Terminology - Chapter 4: The Integumentary System

Flashcards on the integumentary system, covering skin function, layers, accessory organs, and related medical terminology.

Function of the Skin

A physical barrier that protects the body from microorganism invasion, harmful UV rays, dehydration, and assists in thermoregulation and sensory communication.

Epidermis

The most superficial layer of the skin, exposed to the external environment.

Dermis

The layer of the skin below the epidermis, containing hair follicles, glands, and nerve fibers.

Hypodermis

Adipose tissue connected to the underside of the dermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer or sub-q layer.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete oil onto the surface of the skin, protecting it from harmful bacteria and preventing it from cracking.

Pseudoriferous Glands

Glands that secrete sweat onto the surface of the skin, helping in thermoregulation

Arrector Pili Muscle

Smooth muscle connected to the underside of the epidermis and a hair follicle is what causes goosebumps.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that make up the majority of the underlayer of the skin (adipose tissue).

Keratin

Insoluble, tough type of filamentous protein found in hair, epidermis, and nails.

Keratinocytes

Cells that fill up with keratin, making up the majority of the epidermis.

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin, a dark-colored pigment that gives skin its color.

Nail

A translucent plate on the ends of fingers and toes, made up of extra sturdy keratin, protecting the digits.

Cryo

Cold

Cyano

Blue

Dermo, Dermato, Cutanio

Skin

Hydro, Hidro

Sweat

Kerato, Sclero

Hard

Myco

Fungus

Onychomycosis

Condition of fungus affecting the nail.

Scleroderma

Hardening of the skin and other organs.

Hydrocystomas

Little benign tumor-like cysts of sweat ducts, usually found on the eyelids.

Onycho

Nail

Pachy, Pachyo

Thick

Pio

Pus

Ridido

Wrinkle

Sibo

Sebum (oil)

Tricho

Hair

Xero

Dry

A/An

Without/Not

Bio

Life

Epi

On/Upon

Para

Around, Beside, Near

Sub

Below/Beneath

Derma

Skin Condition

Malacia

Softening

Plasia

Formation/Growth

Phagia

To Eat

Plasty

Surgical Repair/Reconstruction

Rhea

Discharge/Flow

Tome

Instrument that cuts

Atypical

Unusual

Circumscribed

Contained in a specific area.

Indurated

Pertaining to an area of hardened tissue.

Purulent

Containing Pus

Diaphoresis

Profuse Sweating

Eschar

Blackened/Burned area

Pallor

Abnormally Pale Skin Coloration

Pruritic

Pertaining to Itching

Turgor

Taut and Full

Adipose

Fat/Fatty

Abrasion

Scrape (superficial)

Burn

Injury to Skin by Heat

Cycotrix

Fibrous tissue replacing normal tissue (scar).

Contusion

Injury w/o Skin Break

Excoriation

Another word for Scratch

Fissure

Deep cleft or slit in the skin.

Abscess

Circumscribed collection of pus caused by bacterial infection.

Furuncle

Infection of a hair follicle.

Carbuncle

Collection of furuncles all interconnected.

Cellulitis

Fluid collecting in subcutaneous layer due to inflammation.

Herpes Simplex

Cold sores and genital sores caused by a type of virus.

Herpes Zoster

Viral infection causing shingles.

Impetigo

Contagious bacterial skin infection that a lot of kids get.

Jaundice

Abnormal yellowing of skin or the eyes.

Keloids

Scar tissue that gets produced, an overgrowth of collagen.

Cyst

Closed sac that contains liquid or semi-liquid substance.

Acne

Inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, marked by papules and pustules.

Papule

Small raised solid circular area of the skin.

Pustule

Elevation of the skin that contains pus.

Verruca

Flesh colored elevation of skin caused by a virus, a wart.

Vesicles

Clear fluid filled raised lesion, a blister.

Wheal

Raised reddish patch that often changes size and shape, hives.

Urticaria

Medical term for a collection of wheels. Also Hives.

Eczema

Inflammatory skin condition causing redness, scaly tissue, blistering, itching, and burning.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.

Albinism

Group of inherited genetic disorders where melanin is lacking.

Vitiligo

Areas of skin stop producing pigment, more patchy than albinism.

Biopsy

Removing skin for a microscopic exam

Frozen Section

Very thin slice of tissue cut from a frozen specimen used for microscopic diagnosis.

Scratch Test

Allergy test where antigen is applied to a scratch in the skin.

Tuberculosis Skin Test

Intradermal test to determine if someone has tuberculosis or has been exposed.

Dermatoautoplasty

Skin graft with skin from the patient's own body

Dermatoheteroplasty

Skin graft with skin from another source.

Dermatome

Instrument used for cutting thin slices of skin for grafting.

Rididectomy

Surgical removal of wrinkles, Face-lift.

Suture

Unite two surfaces by sewing.

Antifungals

Treat Fungal Infections

Anti Inflammatories

Treat Inflammation

Antipruritic

Stop Itching

Pediculous Side

Treats Lice and other similar infestations

Dermatology

Medical specialty focusing on the skin and skin accessories.

Dermatologist

Physician who specializes in dermatology.

Medical Aesthetician

Licensed professional in cosmetic beauty, dealing with skin.

BX

Biopsy

CNS

Culture and Sensitivity

ED and C

Electrodesiccation and Curettage

FS

Frozen Section

I and D

Incision and Drainage

PPD

Purified Protein Derivative