Medical Language Chapter 3: Dermatology & Integumentary System Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards focusing on integumentary structure, physiology, dermatologic disorders, diagnostic tests, medical treatments, and surgical procedures from Chapter 3 of Medical Language Sixth Edition.

Dermatology

The medical specialty that studies the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system.

Epidermis

The thin, outermost layer of the skin composed of epithelial tissue.

Dermis

The thick layer of skin directly beneath the epidermis, composed of connective tissue containing collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and nerves.

Skin Structure

The layered anatomical unit consisting of the outer epidermis, the inner dermis, and the underlying subcutaneous tissue with accessory structures.

Keratin

A hard, fibrous protein found in dead epidermal surface cells, hair shafts, and nails that creates a strong protective barrier.

Melanocyte

A pigment-producing cell in the basal layer of the epidermis that makes melanin to absorb UV light.

Collagen

Firm, white protein fibers present in the dermis that give structural strength to the skin.

Elastin

Elastic, yellow protein fibers in the dermis that allow the skin to stretch and recoil.

Dermatome

A specific area of skin that sends sensory input through a single spinal nerve to the spinal cord; also refers to a surgical instrument.

Sebaceous glands

Exocrine oil glands located in the dermis that secrete sebum through ducts into hair follicles.

Sudoriferous glands

Exocrine sweat glands located in the dermis that secrete sweat through ducts opening onto pores at the skin surface.

Piloerection

The contraction of a tiny muscle at the base of a hair follicle in response to cold, causing the hair shaft to stand upright.

Nail Structure

Anatomical structure composed of living and dead cells comprising the nail plate, nail root, lunula, cuticle, and nail bed.

Lunula

The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of a fingernail or toenail.

Subcutaneous tissue

Loose connective tissue containing lipocytes situated beneath the dermis (abbreviated sub Q or subcu).

Thermoregulation

The physiological process of adjusting body temperature through fat storage, sweating, piloerection, and dermal blood vessel dilation.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining internal balance and stability across body systems.

Dermatitis

Any inflammation or infection of the skin.

Edema

Excessive accumulation of fluid moving from the blood into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, leading to swelling.

Pitting edema

Severe tissue edema in which fingertip pressure displaces fluid and creates a temporary deep indentation.

Hemorrhage

An injury to blood vessels that causes blood to escape into the skin tissue.

Lesion

Any observable abnormal structural change or damage in the skin resulting from injury or disease.

Cyst

An elevated circular mound lesion filled with semisolid or partly fluid material.

Fissure

A small, cracklike crevice lesion in the skin that may contain fluid exudate.

Macule

A flat circular skin lesion with brown or black pigmentation and no fluid content (e.g., freckle, age spot).

Papule

An elevated, solid skin lesion of normal skin color or erythema (e.g., acne pimple).

Pustule

An elevated skin lesion with a white top filled with pus (e.g., acne whitehead).

Vesicle

An elevated lesion with a transparent pointed top filled with clear fluid (e.g., herpes, chickenpox).

Wheal

An elevated lesion with a broad, flat pale top and erythematous base containing clear fluid (e.g., insect bite, urticaria).

Pruritus

Intense skin itching caused by histamine release during an allergic reaction.

Xeroderma

Excessive dryness of the skin.

Albinism

A genetic condition in which melanocytes produce little or no melanin, resulting in lack of pigment in skin, hair, and irises.

Cyanosis

A bluish-purple discoloration of skin and nails caused by insufficient oxygenation.

Erythema

Redness or red discoloration of the skin over local or extensive body areas.

Jaundice

Yellowish discoloration of skin, sclera, and mucous membranes associated with high bilirubin levels.

Necrosis

A gray-to-black skin discoloration occurring in areas where tissue death has occurred.

Vitiligo

A progressive autoimmune disease where melanocytes are destroyed, leading to patches of depigmentation.

Abrasion

A scraping or sliding mechanical injury that strips away the epidermal skin layer.

Superficial burn

A first-degree burn involving only the epidermis, causing erythema, pain, and swelling without blistering.

Full-thickness burn

A third-degree burn destroying epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissues, causing local anesthesia due to nerve destruction.

Rule of Nines

A standardized clinical calculation tool used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns.

Cicatrix

Fibrous connective tissue composed of collagen that forms during the healing of a skin wound; a scar.

Keloid

An abnormally large, firm scar that extends beyond the original wound boundary due to overproduction of collagen.

Laceration

A linear penetrating skin wound with either clean cut or torn, ragged margins.

Pressure injury

Ulcerative skin breakdown caused by persistent pressure over bony prominences interrupting blood flow.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus beneath the skin triggered by a bacterial infection; includes furuncles and carbuncles.

Cellulitis

A spreading bacterial infection involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deeper muscle layers.

Tinea

A fungal infection of the skin feeding on epidermal cells, producing scaly, pruritic lesions.

Verruca

An irregular, rough skin growth caused by human papillomavirus; a wart.

Pediculosis

An infestation with parasitic lice and their eggs (nits) in hair-bearing skin regions.

Scabies

A skin infestation caused by parasitic mites that tunnel under the skin, generating intense itching and tiny vesicles.

Urticaria

An allergic skin condition marked by transient, raised, pruritic edematous areas (hives or wheals).

Actinic keratosis

A rough, sandpaper-like precancerous skin lesion that develops on areas with chronic sun exposure.

Hemangioma

A benign, congenital mass of superficial, dilated blood vessels.

Lipoma

A benign, soft, movable subcutaneous tumor composed of adipose tissue.

Nevus

A benign congenital mole or birthmark varying in shape, elevation, and color.

Syndactyly

A congenital anomaly in which skin and soft tissue fuse adjacent fingers or toes together.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer, originating in the basal layer as a slow-growing pearly bump.

Malignant Melanoma

An aggressive, fast-growing skin cancer arising from melanocytes that rapidly metastasizes.

ABCDE of Melanoma

Clinical criteria for evaluating skin lesions: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving size or shape.

Psoriasis

An autoimmune skin condition marked by rapid epidermal proliferation, causing red plaques covered with silvery scales.

Scleroderma

An autoimmune disorder causing abnormal collagen accumulation that hardens skin and visceral organs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

An autoimmune disorder affecting collagen in connective tissue throughout the body, often producing a facial butterfly rash.

Acne vulgaris

A chronic inflammatory skin condition of adolescence where hardened sebum plugs hair follicles, forming comedos.

Rosacea

A chronic facial skin disorder causing facial erythema, flushing, and superficial telangiectasias in middle-aged adults.

Seborrhea

Excessive sebum production occurring outside of adolescence, causing greasy skin alternating with dry scaling or dandruff.

Anhidrosis

A congenital absence of sweat glands resulting in the inability to sweat or tolerate heat.

Diaphoresis

The physiological process of sweating; excessive profuse sweating may signal systemic illness.

Alopecia

Pathological or age-related loss of hair from the scalp.

Hirsutism

Excessive dark, thick hair growth in a male-pattern distribution on a female.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of fingernails or toenails causing thickening, discoloration, and deformation of the nail plate.

Culture and sensitivity

A diagnostic lab test (C&S) where wound exudate is cultured to identify causative bacteria and test antibiotic responsiveness.

Wood lamp

A ultraviolet light procedure used in a darkened room to highlight fungal infections and depigmented skin areas.

Cryosurgery

The application of extreme cold, such as liquid nitrogen, to destroy skin lesions.

Debridement

The removal of necrotic, contaminated, or damaged tissue from a wound to foster healing.

Incision and drainage

A minor surgical procedure (I&D) using a scalpel cut to evacuate accumulated fluid or pus from a cyst or abscess.

Hypodermic Injection

An injection route where a syringe needle is angled at 45^\bar{o} to deliver medication directly into the subcutaneous tissue.

Punch Biopsy

A diagnostic procedure using a cylindrical blade to extract a full-thickness tissue core sample containing epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

Mohs surgery

Microscopically controlled surgery to excise complex skin cancers layer by layer while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.

Rhytidectomy

Surgical removal of facial wrinkles and loose skin; commonly referred to as a facelift.