albino
person with skin deficient in pigment (melanin)
apocrine sweat gland
One of the large dermal exocrine glands located in the axilla and genital areas. It secretes sweat that, in action with bacteria, is responsible for human body odor.
basal layer
The deepest region of the epidermis; it gives rise to all the epidermal cells
collagen
Structural protein found in the skin and connective tissue
cuticle
Band of epidermis at the base and sides of the nail plate
dermis
Middle layer of skin
eccrine sweat gland
Most numerous sweat-producing exocrine gland in the skin.
epidermis
outermost layer of skin
epithelium
Layer of skin cells forming the outer and inner surfaces of the body
hair follicle
Sac within which each hair grows.
integumentary system
the skin and its accessory structures such as hair and nails.
keratin
Hard protein material found in the epidermis, hair, and nails.
lipocyte
A fat cell
lunula
Half-moon-shaped, whitish area at the base of a nail.
melanin
Major skin pigment. It is formed by melanocytes in the epidermis.
paronychium
Soft tissue surrounding the nail border
pore
Tiny opening on the surface of the skin
sebaceous gland
Oil-secreting gland in the dermis that is associated with hair follicles
sebum
oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands
squamous epithelium
Flat, scale-like cells composing the epidermis.
stratified
Arranged in layers
stratum
a layer of cells
stratum corneum
Outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of flattened, keratinized (horny) cells.
subcutaneous layer
The innermost layer of the skin, containing fat tissue
crust
Collection of dried serum and cellular debris.
cyst
Thick-walled, closed sac or pouch containing fluid or semisolid material.
erosion
Wearing away or loss of the epidermis.
fissure
Groove or crack-like sore
macule
Discolored (often reddened) flat lesion.
nodule
Solid round or oval elevated lesion more then 1 cm in diameter.
papule
Small (less than 1 cm in diameter), solid elevation of the skin (pimples).
polyp
Benign growth extending from the surface of mucous membrane
pustule
Small elevation of the skin containing pus.
ulcer
Open sore on the skin or mucous membranes within the body.
vesicle
Small collection of clear fluid (serum); blister.
wheal
Smooth, slightly elevated, edematous (swollen) area that is redder or paler than the surrounding skin.
alopecia
Absence of hair from areas where it normally grows.
ecchymosis
Bluish-black mark (bruise) on the skin.
petechia
Small, pinpoint hemorrhages
pruritus
itching
urticaria (hives)
acute allergic reaction in which red, round wheals develop on the skin
acne
Chronic papular and pustular eruption of the skin with increased production of sebum.
acne vulgaris
Buildup of sebum and keratin in pores of the skin.
comedones (blackhead)
Sebum plug partially blocking the pore.
whitehead
Pore becomes completely blocked.
burns
Injury to tissues caused by heat contact.
first degree burn
superficial epidermal lesions, erythema, hyperesthesia, and no blisters. Sunburn is an example.
second degree burn
Epidermal and dermal lesions, erythema, blisters and hyperesthesia.
third degree burn
Epidermis and dermis are destroyed (necrosis of skin) and subcutaneous layer is damaged, leaving charred white tissue.
cellulitis
Diffuse acute infection of the skin marked by local redness pain and swelling.
eczema
Inflammatory skin disease with erythematous, papulovesicular lesions.
exanthematous viral disease
Rash (exanthema) of the skin due to a viral infection. E.g. are rubella (German measles), rubeola (measles), and varicella (chickenpox).
gangrene
death of tissue associated with loss of blood supply
impetigo
Bacterial inflammatory skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and crusted-over lesions.
psoriasis
chronic, recurrent dermatosis marked by itchy, scaly, red plaques covered by silvery gray scales
scabies
a contagious, parasitic infection of the skin with intense pruritus
scleroderma
a chronic progressive disease of the skin with hardening and shrinking of connective tissue
systemic lupus erythematosus
chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of collagen in the skin, of joints, and of internal organs
tinea
infection of the skin caused by a fungus
tinea Corpis
ringworm
tinea capitis
fungal infection of the scalp
tinea pedis
athlete's foot
tinea barbae
Affects the skin under the beard
tinea unguium
A fungus of the nails.
vitiligo
Loss of pigment (depigmentation) in areas of the skin. (Milky white patches)
callus
Increase growth of cells in the keratin layer of the epidermis caused by pressure or friction.
keloid
hypertrophied, thickened scar that occurs after trauma or surgical incision
keratosis
Thickened and reddened area of the epidermis, usually associated with aging or skin damage.
leukoplakia
White, thickened patches on mucous membrane tissue of the tongue or cheek.
nevus
pigmented lesion of the skin
verruca
epidermal growth caused by a virus, such as plantar warts, juvenile warts and venereal warts.
squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant tumor of the squamous epithelial cells of the epidermis.
malignant melanoma
cancerous growth composed of melanocytes
kaposi sarcoma
Malignant vascular neoplastic growth caracterized by cutaneous nodules.
basal cell carcinoma
a malignant tumor of the basal layer of the epidermis
cryosurgery
use of subfreezing temperature via liquid nitrogren appication to destroy tissue
curettage
use of a sharp dermal curette to scrape away a skin lesion
electrodesiccation
Tissue is destroyed by burning with an electric spark.
mohs surgery
thin layers of a malignant growth are removed, and each is examined under a microscope
skin biopsy
suspected malignant skin lesions are removed and sent to the pathology laboratory for microscopic examination
skin test
Reaction of the body to a substance by observing the results of injecting the substance intradermally (within the dermis) or applying it topically to the skin.
bacterial analyses
samples of skin are sent to a laboratory to detect presence of microoganisms
fungal tests
Scrapings from skin lesions, hair specimens, or nail clippings are sent to a laboratory for culture and microscopic examination.
candidiasis
Infection caused by a yeast that typically affects the moucous membranes, vaginal mucosa and skin.