Dermatology Anatomy and Terminology Flashcards

A patient presents with a raised, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter with a flat top. This is best described as a:

Answer: Plaque

A plaque is a raised, flat-topped skin lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter, often formed by the coalescence of papules.

What is the term for the shedding or scaling of the outer layers of the epidermis?

Answer: Exfoliation (desquamation)

Desquamation (exfoliation) is the normal or pathological shedding of the outermost layers of the stratum corneum.

The Fitzpatrick skin type scale classifies skin based on which primary characteristic?

Answer: Response to UV radiation and tanning ability

The Fitzpatrick scale (Types I–VI) classifies skin by its response to UV exposure, ranging from always burns/never tans to never burns/always tans.

Which term describes an area of skin that has lost its epidermis but not its full dermis?

Answer: Erosion

An erosion is a superficial loss of epidermis that heals without scarring because the dermis remains intact.

The rete ridges (rete pegs) are epidermal projections that interdigitate with the dermis. What is their primary purpose?

Answer: Increasing surface area for nutrient exchange and structural adhesion

Rete ridges increase the surface area between the epidermis and dermis, improving nutrient diffusion and mechanical adhesion between the layers.

The term 'hyperhidrosis' refers to which condition?

Answer: Excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is needed for thermoregulation, from the prefix 'hyper-' (excessive) and 'hidrosis' (sweating).

Pacinian corpuscles are encapsulated nerve endings found in the deep dermis and hypodermis. They primarily detect:

Answer: Deep pressure and vibration

Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that detect deep pressure, coarse touch, and high-frequency vibration.