CH 3 Integumentary System Vocabulary

Vocabulary study guide covering key terms, anatomical layers, color variations, injuries, lesions, infections, hair and nail conditions, sweat gland disorders, procedures, and pharmacology for Chapter 3 Integumentary System.

cutaneous, dermal, integumentary

Pertaining to the skin

dermis

The 2nd layer of skin; the layer located between the epidermis and the hypodermis

epidermis

The top/superficial layer of the skin

hypodermic injection

An injection below the skin

hypodermis or subcutaneous layer

A continuous, protective layer of adipose tissue below the dermis; cushions, connects skin to muscles

intradermal

Pertaining to within the skin

pathogens

Disease causing organisms

sebaceous glands

Oil glands; glands which lubricate the hair and skin w/sebum

sudoriferous glands

A gland in the dermis that secretes sweat; sweat secretions react with the body's natural skin flora to produce body odor

dermatologist

Medical specialty concerned with disorders of the skin

plastic surgeon

A surgeon focused on repairing, reconstructing, or improving the appearance of skin following severe damage, large wounds, etc.

cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes

erythema, erythematous (adj)

Redness or "flushing" of the skin

jaundice

A yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes

pallor

Abnormal paleness of skin

abrasion

An area of the skin that has been scraped off by friction; commonly called "road rash"

contusion

A bruise; shallow collection of blood under the skin caused by forceful trauma that injures internal structure without breaking the skin

fissure

A crack-like lesion or groove in the skin, usually caused by overstretching or over dryness of tissue; extends through the epidermis into the dermis

hematoma

A swelling of blood within the body tissues r/t injury; literally means "tumor of blood"; is sometimes referred to as a "goose egg"

laceration

Cut or torn skin from trauma; vary in length and depth; may have even or jagged edges

necrosis

Cell death; a localized area of tissue death in response to disease or injury

puncture wound

A hole in the skin and deeper body tissues made by a pointed object

abscess

Any pus-containing cavity that is surrounded by inflamed tissue

cyst

A fluid or semisolid filled sac that is encapsulated

lesion

A general term for any wound, injury, or pathological abnormality/change in a tissue

pustule

A small, elevated lesion on the skin containing pus (e.g.: pimple)

ulcer

Deep, irregular erosion of the skin or mucous membrane

vesicle

A small blister containing clear fluid

cellulitis

An acute bacterial infection and inflammation of the connective tissue and subcutaneous layers of the skin

dermatitis

An inflammatory condition of the skin w/o infection

impetigo

A bacterial infection of the skin with pustules that rupture and form a yellow crust; very common in children in Hawaii who don't bathe regularly

tinea

The name of a group of superficial skin and nail infections caused by dermatophyte fungi; typically identified by the location of infection, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch)

pediculosis

Infestation of lice; there are head, body, and pubic lice

scabies

Tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and inflammation

burn

Damage to the skin that can result from exposure to fire, electricity, ultraviolet light from the sun or caustic chemicals

pruritis or pruritus

Itchy; a condition of severe itching

scleroderma

Abnormal hardening of the skin due to the skin losing its elasticity

petechiae

Tiny pin-point red lesions on the skin caused by minor hemorrhage of capillary blood vessels

callus

A toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation (e.g.: callused soles of the feet)

lipoma

A fatty mass or tumor; a common, benign tumor consisting of fat cells

alopecia

Absence or loss of hair, especially of the head; commonly called baldness.

furuncle

A boil; a painful, pus-filled infection of a hair follicle

urticaria

Hives; an eruption of pale, reddish wheals in response to an allergen

onychomalacia

Abnormal softening of the nails

paronychia

An infection of the skin fold around the nail

anhidrosis

The abnormal condition in a person who cannot sweat due to being born w/o functioning sweat glands

diaphoresis

An acute, abnormal condition of profuse sweating; seen in heart attacks and anxiety

hyperhidrosis

A chronic abnormal condition of being excessively sweaty

biopsy

A piece of tissue removed by a needle, scalpel, or punch to examine under a microscope

dermatoplasty

Any surgical repair of the skin

cauterization

Destruction of tissue by using caustic chemicals, electric currents, heat, freezing

debridement

The surgical removal of embedded debris and injured or necrotic tissue

incision and drainage (I&D)

Making an incision to create an opening for the drainage of material such as pus

cryosurgery

The surgical use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissues such as warts/skin tags

anesthetic

A medication that causes loss of feeling; deadens pain

antibiotic

An agent used to kill bacteria infections; can be oral, intravenous, intramuscular, topical

antifungal

An agent that kills fungal infections

antiparasitic

An agent that destroys parasites such as lice, scabies, and intestinal worms

antipruritic

A medication that reduces itching

antiseptic

A chemical agent that can be applied to the skin or mucous membranes to prevent infections and reduce the risk of microbial growth; used to kill microorganisms in skin cuts and wounds or at a surgical site; used for topical skin use