Intro to Derm Flashcards
Define the components of the skin
Epidermis, dermis, appendages, and subcutaneous fat
List the layers of the epidermis in ascending order
Basal Cell, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Corneum
List the function of each epidermal layer
Basal Cell - Undifferentiated proliferating cells (baby cells)
Stratum Spinosum - Keratinocytes produce keratin (fibrous protein that is the major component of the Stratum Corneum)
Stratum Granulosum - Where cell differentiation occurs. Cells acquire more keratin and flatten. This layer acts as “glue” holding the Stratum Corneum cells together
Stratum Corneum - Major physical barrier. Cells are large, flat and filled with keratin. Cells are stacked in vertical layers and vary in thickness dependent on location. Cells die and shed here
Identify the components found within the dermis
Nerves, blood vessels, collagen and elastic fibers, and skin appendages
List the function of each component found in the dermis
Eccrine Sweat Glands - Regulate body temperature, excrete sweat onto the skin surface.
Apocrine Sweat Glands - No useful purpose, responsible for body odor
Hair Follicle - Protective and decorative
Sebaceous Glands - Produce oily substance (sebum).
Nails - Made of keratin
Describe a Macule
Flat skin lesion that is different color than the surrounding skin (I.e. freckles)
Define Langer’s Lines and their utilization
Skin tension lines, used to guide (when doing procedures) to produce the strongest scar and provide a better cosmetic outcome
What are Dermatomes?
Areas of skin supplied by branches of spinal sensory nerve roots (transmits sensation)
Classify skin types according to the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification
1: Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, blond/red har - always burns, does not tan
2: Fair skin, blue eyes - Burns easily, tans poorly
3. Darker white skin - Tans after initial burn
4. Light brown skin - Burns minimally, tans easily
5. Brown skin - Rarely burns, tans darkly easily
6. Dark brown of black skin - Never burns, always tans darkly
Define a Papule
Small raised skin lesions (I.e. raised mole, pimple)
Define Alopecia
Partial or complete hairloss
Define Comodones
Descriptive acne term.
Open Comodones = Blackheads
Closed Comodones = Whiteheads
Define a Vesicle
Blister filled with clear fluid that is «_space;0.5cm
Define a Bullae
Blister filled with clear fluid that is»_space; 0.5cm
Define a Pustule
Raised lesion filled with purulent or cloudy fluid
Define a Wheal
A lesion of dermal edema (I.e. hives) with subtle elevation (speed bump)
Define a Nodule
Raised, hard “marble”. Diameter and depth >0.5cm
Define an Ulcer
Skin defect that completely erodes the epidermis and part of the dermis
Define a Lichenification
Epidermal thickening, visible and palpable, exaggerated skin markings. Coat of armor from chronic inflammation or trauma, “alligator skin”
Define a Polyp
Soft fleshy raised growth (I.e. skin tag)
Define a Fissure
Linear tear in the epidermis (I.e. crack)
Define Scale
Visibly thickened Stratum Corneum, dry appearance
Define Crust
Dried liquid on the surface of the skin (I.e. scab)
Define Atrophy
Loss of skin tissue
Epidermal - skin appears thin and shiny
Dermal - detectable depression