Chapter 5 - The Integumentary System

epidermis

Outer layer of epithelium

abrasion

Common injury to skin by scraping

cellulite

Local uneven surface of the skin that is a sign of subcutaneous fat deposition

cicatrix

The clinical term for a scar

comedo

The clinical term for a pimple

contusion

Commly known as a bruise

cyanosis

Blue tinge of color to the skin

cyst

Closed sac or pouch on the surface of the skin

edema

Swelling

erythema

Redness of the skin

fissure

Narrow break or slit in the skin

furuncle

Abscess that is associated with a hair follicle and local swelling

induration

Local hard area of the skin

jaundice

Abnormal yellow coloration of the skin

keloid

Overgrowth of scar tissue

laceration

Result of an injury caused by a tear or cut by a sharp object

macule

Discolored flat spot on the skin surface

nevus

Pigmented spot that is commonly called a mole

pallor

Abnormally pale color of the skin

papule

General term for any small, solid elevation on the skin

petechia

Sign of circulatory disorder occurring when small blood vessels supplying the dermis of the skin rupture

pruritus

Itching

purpura

Purple-red skin discoloration

pustule

General term for an elevated area of the skin filled with pus

ulcer

Erosion through the skin or mucous membrane

urticaria or hives

Small fluid filled skin elevations that occur as part of allergic skin reaction to medications, foods, etc. t

verruca

Wart

vesicle

Small elevation of the epidermis that is filled with fluid

wheal

Temporary, itchy elevation of the skin typically with a white center and red perimeter

acne

Condition of the skin resulting from an infection of sebaceous glands and ducts

actinic keratosis

Precancerous condition of the skin caused by exposure to sunlight

albinism

Genetic condition in which there is a reduction of the pigment melanin in the skin

alopecia

Loss or lack of scalp hair

burn

Injury to the skin due to excessive exposure to fire, electricity, chemicals or sunlight

carbuncle

Skin infection composed of a cluster of boils

carcinoma

Cancerous tumor

melanoma

Life-threatening skin cancer which literally means black tumor

cellulitis

Inflammation of the connective tissue in the dermis

dermatitis

Generalized inflammation of the skin

ecchymosis

Purplish patches of purpura caused by leaking of blood in the dermis

herpes

Skin eruption producing clusters of deep blisters which can be oral or genital

hidradenitis

Excessive perspiration due to inflammation of the sweat glands

impetigo

Contagious skin infection with small vesicles that form golden crusts as they heal

Kaposi's sarcoma

Form of skin cancer arising from the connective tissue of the dermis commonly associated with HIV infection and AIDS

leukoderma

Reduced activity of the pigment-producing cell in the skin resulting in lighter colored skin

onychocryptosis

Condition in which the nail becomes buried in the skin due to abnormal growth

onychopathy

Any disease of the nail

onychomalacia

Softening of the nails

onychomycosis

Fungal infection of the nail

paronychia

Infection around a nail

pediculosis

Head, pubic or body lice

psoriasis

Painful, chronic disease of the skin characterized by the presence of red lesions covered with silvery epidermal scales

scabies

Skin eruption caused by the female itch mite

scleroderma

Abnormal thickening or hardness of the skin

systemic lupus erythematosus

Chronic progressive disease of the connective tissue in many organs including the skin

tinea capitis

Fungal infection of the skin on the scalp

tinea pedis

Athlete's foot which is a fungal infection of the foot

tinea corporis

Fungal infection that occurs anywhere on the body

trichomycosis

Fungal infection of the hair

trichopathy

General term for any disease involving the hair

xeroderma

Abnormally dry skin

biopsy

Minor surgery that involves removal of tissue for examination

debridement

Excision of foreign matter and unwanted tissue

dermabrasion

Cosmetic surgery in which abrasives remove unwanted scars and other skin imperfections

dermatoautoplasty

SUrgical procedure that involves using the patient's own skin as a graft

dermatome

An instrument that cuts thin slices of skin for grafting purposes

dermatoplasty

General term for any surgical procedure of the skin

emollient

Chemical agent that softens or smooths the skin

rhytidectomy

Surgical removal of a section of the skin

rhytidoplasty

Surgical repair of skin wrinkles