Skin Glossary - Pathology

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()Map INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM (Map)



  • Acantholysis - loss of cohesion between cells of living epidermis, especially stratum spinosum
  • Acanthosis - hyperplasia of stratum spinosum
  • Adnexa - cutaneous appendages - hair, claws, glands
  • Alopecia - abscence of hair in an area where it is normally present
  • Anagen - growth phase of hair cycle
  • Comedo - plugged and dilated hair follicle
  • Crust - accumulation of solid exudate on skin surface, serocellular or haemorrhagic
  • Epidermal collarettes - peeling edge of epithelium surrounding an ulcer or erosion
  • Erosion - superficial ulcer involvng only epidermis, heals without scarring
  • Erythema - reddening of skin caused by congestion of capillaries
  • Excoriation - erosions and ulcers caused by self-trauma
  • Furunculosis - rupture of hair follicles with severe inflammation
  • Hyperkeratosis - increased thickness of stratum spinosum
  • Lichenification - thickeningof skin superficial layers with exaggerated crevices
  • Nodule - solid elevation of skin, >1cm in diameter
  • Macule - circumscribed change in skin colour < 1cm in diameter
  • Papule - solid elevation of skin, <1cm in diameter
  • Parakeratosis - abnormal cornification, keratinocytes retain their nuclei
  • Paronychia - inflammation of tissue fold around nail bed
  • Patch - macule > 1cm in diameter
  • Plaque - flet topped swelling > 1cm in diameter
  • Pustule - small circumscribed elevation containing pus
  • Scale - fragments of stratum corneum
  • Scar - fibrous tissue area that replaced damaged dermis or subcutaneous tissue
  • Seborhea- scaling, crusting and greasiness
  • Telogen - resting phase of hair cycle
  • Ulcer - break in epidermis with exposed underlying dermis
  • Urticaria - vascular reaction in dermis, consists of transient wheals
  • Vesicle - blister <1cm in diameter
  • Vitiligo - Depigmentation in focal areas where melanocytes are absent