CPCA Dermatology Anatomy and Terminology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient presents with a raised, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter with a flat top. This is best described as a:
- Nodule
- Papule
- Plaque (Correct answer)
- Wheal
Correct answer: Plaque
A plaque is a raised, flat-topped skin lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter, often formed by the coalescence of papules.
Question 2: What is the term for the shedding or scaling of the outer layers of the epidermis?
- Exfoliation (desquamation) (Correct answer)
- Excoriation
- Erosion
- Exudation
Correct answer: Exfoliation (desquamation)
Desquamation (exfoliation) is the normal or pathological shedding of the outermost layers of the stratum corneum.
Question 3: The Fitzpatrick skin type scale classifies skin based on which primary characteristic?
- Skin pH level
- Response to UV radiation and tanning ability (Correct answer)
- Degree of skin hydration
- Sebum production rate
Correct 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.
Question 4: Which term describes an area of skin that has lost its epidermis but not its full dermis?
- Ulcer
- Erosion (Correct answer)
- Fissure
- Excoriation
Correct answer: Erosion
An erosion is a superficial loss of epidermis that heals without scarring because the dermis remains intact.
Question 5: The rete ridges (rete pegs) are epidermal projections that interdigitate with the dermis. What is their primary purpose?
- Melanin transport
- Increasing surface area for nutrient exchange and structural adhesion (Correct answer)
- Sebum drainage
- Immune surveillance
Correct 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.
Question 6: The term 'hyperhidrosis' refers to which condition?
- Abnormally dry skin
- Excessive sweating (Correct answer)
- Deficient melanin production
- Thickened skin
Correct answer: Excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is needed for thermoregulation, from the prefix 'hyper-' (excessive) and 'hidrosis' (sweating).
Question 7: Pacinian corpuscles are encapsulated nerve endings found in the deep dermis and hypodermis. They primarily detect:
- Temperature changes
- Pain signals
- Deep pressure and vibration (Correct answer)
- Fine touch
Correct answer: Deep pressure and vibration
Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that detect deep pressure, coarse touch, and high-frequency vibration.
CPCA Dermatology Anatomy and Terminology 4
A patient presents with a raised, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in diameter with a flat top.
This is best described as a: