Dermatology Anatomy and Terminology Flashcards

The prefix 'leuko-' in dermatology terms such as 'leukoderma' means:

Answer: White

Leuko- is derived from the Greek word for white; leukoderma describes areas of skin with decreased or absent pigmentation.

A nevus is the medical term most commonly used for which skin structure?

Answer: A mole (pigmented melanocytic lesion)

A nevus (plural: nevi) is a benign melanocytic growth, commonly called a mole, composed of clusters of melanocytes.

Which type of gland is responsible for body odor through secretion into hair follicles?

Answer: Apocrine glands

Apocrine glands secrete a protein-rich fluid into hair follicles; bacterial breakdown of this secretion produces body odor.

The term 'pruritus' describes which symptom?

Answer: Itching

Pruritus is the medical term for itching, a common symptom in many dermatological conditions.

Keratinocytes make up approximately what percentage of epidermal cells?

Answer: 80–90%

Keratinocytes constitute approximately 80–90% of all epidermal cells and are responsible for producing keratin protein.

The 'dermatome' concept in dermatology refers to:

Answer: An area of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve root

A dermatome is an area of skin innervated by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root, relevant in shingles (herpes zoster) distribution.

Cyanosis of the skin results from which underlying cause?

Answer: Reduced oxyhemoglobin / increased deoxyhemoglobin in blood

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of skin caused by elevated levels of deoxygenated hemoglobin (>5 g/dL) in the blood.