NUR 332 Unit 4 Vocabulary

Chapter 11 Key Terms

apocrine glands: Glands in the axillary and anogenital regions that are dormant until
the onset of puberty and produce a secretion made up of water, salts, fatty acids, and
proteins, which is released into hair follicles
chloasma: A skin condition that develops during pregnancy resulting in
hyperpigmented patches on the face. Also referred to as melasma, gravidum, or "the
mask of pregnancy"
cuticle: A fold of epidermal skin along the base of the nail that protects the root and
sides of each nail
dandruff: White or gray dead scaly skin flakes of epidermal cells
dermis: A layer of connective tissue that lies just below the epidermis
diaphoresis: Profuse perspiration or sweating that may occur during exertion, fever,
pain, and emotional stress and in the presence of some metabolic disorders such as
hyperthyroidism
ecchymosis: Bruising resulting from the escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
into the tissues
eccrine glands: Glands that produce a clear perspiration mostly made up of water and
salts, which they release into funnel-shaped pores at the skin surface
edema: An increased accumulation of fluid in a dependent part that is caused by an
accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces
keratin: A fibrous protein that gives the epidermis its tough, protective qualities
lunula: A moon-shaped crescent that appears on the nail body over the thickened nail
matrix
melanin: Skin pigment produced in the melanocytes in the stratum basale
milia: Harmless skin markings on newborns; areas of tiny white facial papules due to
sebum that collects in the openings of hair follicles
Mongolian spots: Gray, blue, or purple spots in the sacral and buttocks areas of
newborns that fade during the first year of life
nails: Thin plates of keratinized epidermal cells that shield the distal ends of the fingers
and toes

NUR 332 Unit 4 Vocabulary

onycholysis: Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed

paronychia: An inflammation of the cuticle, sometimes caused by infection
primary lesions: The initial lesion of a disease
pruritus: Itching, usually due to dry skin, that may increase with age
sebaceous glands: Oil glands that secrete sebum, an oily secretion, which generally is
released into hair follicles
secondary lesions: Skin condition or changes to the skin that occurs following a
primary lesion
terminal hair: Dark, coarse, long hair that appears on eyebrows, the scalp, and the
pubic region
vellus hair: Pale, fine, short hair that appears over the entire body except for the lips,
nipples, palms of hands, soles of feet, and parts of external genitals
vitiligo: A skin condition identified by patchy, depigmented skin over various areas of
the body
mouth. The uvula moves with swallowing, breathing, and phonation