Head and Neck Terminology

Question 1

a general term to denote a pathologic or traumatic change in the tissue.

Answer 1

Lesion

Question 2

focal area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings; flat

Answer 2

Macule

Question 3

solid, raised lesion less than 5mm in diameter

Answer 3

Papule

Question 4

solid, raised lesion greater than 5mm in diameter

Answer 4

Nodule

Question 5

red in color

Answer 5

Erythematous

Question 6

base is the widest part of an elevated lesion

Answer 6

Sessile

Question 7

base of an elevated lesion is narrower than the widest part

Answer 7

Pedunculated

Question 8

exhibiting numerous surface projections

Answer 8

Papillary

Question 9

exhibiting a rough, warty surface

Answer 9

Verrucous

Question 10

superficial, partial or total loss of surface epithelium; may arise secondarily from
rupture of bulla (blister)

Answer 10

Erosive

Question 11

loss of surface epithelium down to the connective tissue, often appears depressed

Answer 11

Ulcerated

Question 12

narrow, slit-like ulceration or groove

Answer 12

Fissure

Question 13

slightly elevated and generally flat; (homonym of “plaque” which is the soft white deposit that accumulates on teeth)

Answer 13

Plaque

Question 14

flat, round, pinpoint area(s) of hemorrhage, usually 3mm or less

Answer 14

Petechia(e)

Question 15

hemorrhage into the skin, larger than petechia, but less than 1cm

Answer 15

Purpura

Question 16

flat area of hemorrhage larger than 1cm; bruise

Answer 16

Ecchymosis

Question 17

fluid-filled, elevated, superficial, 5mm or less in diameter

Answer 17

Vesicle

Question 18

fluid filled, elevated, superficial, greater than 5mm in diameter

Answer 18

Bulla

Question 19

superficial, circumscribed cavity filled with pus (purulent exudate)

Answer 19

Pustule

Question 20

hardened

Answer 20

Indurated

Question 21

wavelike on palpation due to liquid content

Answer 21

Fluctuant

Question 22

present in large quantity

Answer 22

Copious

Question 23

lines forming a skin pattern

Answer 23

Dermatoglyphics

Question 24

scalloped

Answer 24

Crenated

Question 25

abnormally swollen, distended or dilated

Answer 25

Varicose

Question 26

flakes of retained surface keratin

Answer 26

Scale

Question 27

dried blood, serum or purulent exudate on the skin surface

Answer 27

Crust