7. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Collagen: Structural protein found in the skin and connective tissue.

Epidermis: Outermost layer of the skin. Forms the waterproof, protective wrap over the body’s surface. It is avascular and is nourished by diffusion from the dermis.

Dermis: Middle layer of the skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain.

Subcutaneous layer: Innermost layer of the skin containing fat tissue.

Melanin: Major skin pigment that gives the skin its color.

Keratin: Hard protein material found in the epidermis, hair and nails.

Kaposi sarcoma: Is a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, throat or in other organs. This condition is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Malignant melanoma: Malignant tumor of melanocytes. It is attributed to the intense exposure to sunlight that many people experience.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Malignant tumor of squamous epithelial cells of the epidermis.

Basal cell carcinoma: Malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis. It is a slow growing tumor and almost never metastasizes.

Verruca: Plantar wart caused by virus occurring on the sole or toes of the foot.

Nevus: Pigmented lesion of the skin. Commonly called birthmarks and moles.

Dysplastic nevi are moles that do not form properly and may progress to form malignant melanoma.

Leukoplakia: White plaque on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity including the tongue. It is commonly seen in smokers.

Keratosis: Growth of keratin on the skin usually associated with skin damage or aging.

Keloid: It is a type of scar which results in overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.

Callus: Toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard as response to repeated contact or pressure.

Vitiligo: Loss of pigment in areas of the skin. Also called leukoderma.

Tinea: Infection of the skin caused by a fungus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: Chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. It produces a characteristic butterfly pattern of redness over the cheeks and nose.

Scleroderma: Chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen in the skin or other organs.

Scabies: Transmissible parasite skin infection characterized by intense pruritus.

Psoriasis: Skin disorder in which the skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. It is not contagious or infectious. Marked by itchy, scaly, red plaques covered by silvery gray scales.

Impetigo: Superficial bacterial skin infection.

Gangrene: Complication characterized by decay of body tissues which become

black and malodorous.

Eczema: Inflammation of upper layers of the skin.

Cellulitis: Inflammation of connective tissue underlying the skin that can be caused

by bacterial infection.

Acne: Chronic skin disease marked by pustular and papular eruption of the skin

with increased production of sebum.

Urticaria: Skin condition caused by an allergic reaction that is characterized by

raised red skin wheals.

Pruritus: Itching. A symptom associated with most forms of dermatitis and with

other conditions as well.

Petechia: Small pinpoint hemorrhage.

Ecchymosis: Bluish black mark on the skin.

Alopecia: Absence of hair from areas where it normally grows. May be hereditary

or caused by disease, injury, or treatment.

Crust: Collection of dried serum and cellular debris.

Cyst: Thick walled closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material.

Erosion: Loss of epidermis as a result of inflammation or injury and heal without

scarring.

Fissure: Groove or crack like sore.

Macule: Discolored flat lesion.

Nodule: Solid, round or oval elevated lesion more than 1 cm in diameter.

Papule: Small (less than 1 cm in diameter) solid elevation of the skin.

Polyp: Benign growth extending from the surface of mucous membrane.

Pustule: Small elevation of the skin containing pus.

Ulcer: Open sore on the skin or mucous membranes within the body.

Vesicle: Small collection of clear fluid; blister.

Wheal: Smooth slightly elevated edematous area.