BackIntegumentary System Medical Terminology: Vocabulary, Procedures, and Pharmacology
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Integumentary System Vocabulary
Definitions
The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, and sebaceous glands. Medical terms in this area describe diseases and conditions affecting these structures, often caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.
Verrucae: Viral skin infection, commonly known as warts (Human papillomavirus).
Moniliasis: Fungal infection with yeast organisms.
Paronychia: Bacterial infection of the tissue around the nail bed.
Scabies: Skin infection by mites.
Tinea: Fungal skin disease, often called ringworm.
Ecthyma: Skin infection resulting in ulceration.
Vitiligo: Skin depigmentation, loss of pigment cells.
Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth.
Psoriasis: Scaly, red skin patches.
Urticaria: Hives, raised itchy areas on the skin.
Example
Dermatitis is the medical term indicating the presence of an abnormal skin condition.
Paronychia
Condition affecting tissue around or beside a nail.
Medical Procedures in the Integumentary System
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions
Terms in this category relate to procedures used to diagnose or treat skin conditions.
Medical Term | Description |
|---|---|
Culture & Sensitivity | Growing, collecting, and testing bacteria to identify infection. |
Biopsy | Removal of tissue for examination and diagnosis. |
Frozen section | Biopsy taken during surgery and examined immediately. |
Fungal scrapings | Small sampling of skin, hair, or nails from an affected area. |
Debridement | Removal of dead or infected tissue. |
Curettage | Specific form of debridement using a curette (surgical instrument). |
Example
Fungal scrapings are the procedure most likely used to examine and treat areas of possible fungal infection.
Pharmacology in the Integumentary System
Drug Classes and Their Effects
Pharmacological terms describe drugs used to treat or manage skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Medical Term | Description | Memory Tool |
|---|---|---|
Anticoagulant | Prevents blood from clotting. | Anti Clot |
Antineoplastic | Stops growth of malignant tumors. | Plant + Growth or formation |
Agonist | Binds to a cell and stimulates a response. | AG-ON = act ON |
Antagonist | Binds to a cell and blocks a response. | ANTI-ON = act OFF |
Biomodulator | Biological agent that modifies immune or inflammatory medications. | Biologically Active Modulator |
Corticosteroid | Synthetic anti-inflammatory medication. | A CORTEX steroid |
Example
An antipruritic medication would be best for treating and curing scabies, as it relieves itching.
Additional info:
Integumentary system disorders can be infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune in nature.
Diagnostic procedures are essential for identifying the cause and guiding treatment.
Pharmacological agents are chosen based on the underlying pathology (e.g., infection, inflammation, immune response).
