Pathology · Integumentary System · Medium
Hyperkeratosis
Meaning: Thickening of the outermost horny protein layer of the skin, often from pressure or friction.
In practice: Hyperkeratosis on the heels produced thick, cracked skin that needed regular emollients and filing.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
- -osis means an abnormal condition or process
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: A primary disease of skeletal muscle causing weakness.
Answer: Myopathy
Which word means: Common benign firm skin nodule, often on the legs, that dimples when pinched.
Answer: Dermatofibroma
Words like hyperkeratosis come up in the daily game
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