DERMATOLOGY  TERMS

A. Integumentary System

1. includes skin, hair, fur, wool, feathers, scales, claws, beaks, horns, nails and some glands.

B. Skin

1. epithelial tissue

a. epidermis

b. dermis

2. combining form is dermo or cutaneo

3. keratin = protein that waterproofs the skin

a. combining form is kerato

4. melanocytes = contain black pigment

a. combining form is melano

5. albinism = absence of normal pigment

6. collagen = fibrous protein found in the skin that gives skin elasticity.

7. SQ = subcutaneous…….common injection site

C. Glands

1. sebaceous glands = oil glands

2. sweat glands = regulate body temperature

a. hyper thermia  vs.  hypothermia

3. ceruminous glands = in ear canal and produce ear wax.

D. Hair, nails, claws and hooves

1. combining form is pilo or tricho

2. piloerection = hair standing straight up

3. coronary band = where hoof meets skin

E. Diagnostic Terms

1. biopsy

2. culture & sensitivity

3. skin scraping

4. intradermal testing (for allergies)

F. Pathology Terms

1. abrasion = superficial injury

2. abscess = localized collection of pus

3. acne = skin inflammation caused by plugged sebaceous glands

a. chin acne in cats

4. moist dermatitis = inflammation of the skin with an exudates…”hot spot”

5. alopecia = loss of hair

6. carcinoma = malignant neoplasm of epithelial tissue.

7. cellulitis = inflammation of connective tissue….more swelling & heat.

8. contusion = injury that does not break the skin……bruise

9. dermatitis = inflammation of the skin

10. contact dermatitis = inflammation of the skin due to touching an irritant.

11. pododermatitis = inflammation of the skin of the foot.

12. dermatomycosis = abnormal skin condition caused by a fungus.

13. mycosis = refers to a fungus

14. dermatophyte = superficial fungus on the skin

15. ecchymosis = purplish, flat patches of bleeding into the skin

16. erythema = skin redness

17. fistula = abnormal passage between two areas

a. ex: oronasal fistula, rectovaginal fistula

18. gangrene = necrosis due to loss of circulation

19. necrosis = dead tissue

20. granuloma = area of healing tissue

21. hyperkeratosis = increased growth of horny layer of skin

22. ectoparasite = located on the external surface

23. pediculosis = lice infestation

24. mange = infestation of mites in the skin

25. laceration = cut in the skin

26. melanoma = tumor of the pigmented skin cells

27. cyst = closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material

28. ulcer = open sore or erosion of tissue

29. papilloma = benign growth on the skin that is lobed…”.wart “

30. petechiae = small, pinpoint hemorrhages

31. polyp = growth from mucus membrane (MM)

32. pruritis = itching

33. pyoderma = pus in the skin

34. purulent = contains pus

35. seborrhea = skin condition with overproduction of sebum ( oil).

36. urticaria = localized areas of swellings that itch….( hives )

37. debridement = removal of tissue and foreign material to aid healing.

38. cryosurgery = destruction of tissues using extreme cold