Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the skin as part of the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a two-way barrier, protecting against pathogens and preventing loss of vital substances.

Question 2

A patient presents with a 'black-and-blue' bruise after trauma. Which medical term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Ecchymosis

Question 3

Which root word and suffix would you use to build the term for a 'tumor of fat tissue'?

Accepted Answer

lip/ + -oma

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with 'dermopathy.' Break down this term into its component parts and define it.

Accepted Answer

derm/ = skin + -pathy = disease; disease of the skin

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the process and purpose of a biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Surgical removal of a piece of tissue to examine under a microscope for diagnosis

Question 6

A patient with severe itching is most likely experiencing which condition?

Accepted Answer

Pruritus

Question 7

Which prefix would you use to indicate 'within' when building a medical term?

Accepted Answer

intra-

Question 8

A patient has a burn that damages only the epidermis, resulting in redness but no blisters. What type of burn is this?

Accepted Answer

First-degree burn

Question 9

Which of the following terms refers to the surgical repair of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Dermoplasty

Question 10

A patient is diagnosed with 'malignant melanoma.' Which root word in this term refers to the color black?

Accepted Answer

melan/

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the subcutaneous layer of the skin?

Accepted Answer

It provides insulation and stores fat.

Question 12

A patient presents with a painful band of skin blisters along a nerve path. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Shingles

Question 13

Which suffix means 'abnormal softening'?

Accepted Answer

-malacia

Question 14

A patient is prescribed a topical antifungal cream. Which type of skin disorder is this most likely used to treat?

Accepted Answer

A fungal infection

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct breakdown of the term 'onychopathy'?

Accepted Answer

onych/ = nail + -pathy = disease; disease of the nail

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of cryosurgery?

Accepted Answer

Use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy tissue

Question 17

A patient with 'subcutaneous' injection receives medication where?

Accepted Answer

Under the skin

Question 18

Which of the following terms means 'hardening'?

Accepted Answer

-sclerosis

Question 19

A patient with 'cyanosis' would most likely have skin that appears:

Accepted Answer

Bluish in color

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between a second-degree and third-degree burn?

Accepted Answer

Second-degree burns damage the epidermis and dermis with blisters; third-degree burns extend into underlying tissues and often require grafts.

Integumentary System: Medical Terminology Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions