Dermatology Anatomy and Terminology Flashcards

What does the prefix 'erythro-' mean in dermatological terminology?

Answer: Red

Erythro- is a Greek prefix meaning red, used in terms like erythroderma (redness of the skin).

A comedo is a hallmark lesion of acne vulgaris. What is a comedo?

Answer: A plugged hair follicle filled with sebum and dead cells

A comedo is a clogged hair follicle (pore) filled with oxidized sebum and dead skin cells, appearing as blackheads or whiteheads.

The term 'telangiectasia' describes which vascular skin finding?

Answer: Dilated small superficial blood vessels

Telangiectasias are permanently dilated small blood vessels (capillaries, arterioles, venules) visible near the skin surface.

Which skin appendage is responsible for producing the oily substance that lubricates skin and hair?

Answer: Sebaceous gland

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair and is secreted into the hair follicle.

What is the correct term for a linear crack or groove in the skin that extends into the dermis?

Answer: Fissure

A fissure is a linear crack in the skin that extends through the epidermis into the dermis, often seen on the heels or lips.

Merkel cells in the epidermis are associated with which function?

Answer: Light touch sensation

Merkel cells are slow-adapting mechanoreceptors in the epidermis that detect sustained light touch and pressure.

The stratum granulosum is named for the granules it contains. What do these granules primarily contain?

Answer: Keratohyalin

The stratum granulosum contains keratohyalin granules that play a key role in the formation of the skin's barrier.