Pathology · Integumentary System · Hard
Parakeratosis
Meaning: Retention of cell nuclei in the outermost horny layer of the skin, indicating rapid cell turnover.
In practice: Parakeratosis is a typical microscopic finding when a dermatopathologist examines a biopsy from a psoriasis plaque.
Word parts
- para- means beside or near
- -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: Genus of round bacteria growing in chains, causing infections such as tonsillitis and pneumonia.
Answer: Streptococcus
Which word means: Proliferation of supporting cells such as astrocytes in the brain or spinal cord after injury, forming a scar.
Answer: Gliosis
Words like parakeratosis come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.