Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

A linear cleft through the epidermis that extends into the dermis is referred to as what?

1. Fissure

2. Erosion

3. Scale

4. Crust

The correct answer is: Fissure

A linear cleft through the epidermis that extends into the dermis is known as a fissure. Fissures are characterized by their deep, narrow, and often painful cracks or splits in the skin, which can result from various factors, including dryness, inflammation, or trauma. They are distinct in that they penetrate through the layers of the skin, reaching down into the dermis, which is critical for understanding their potential complications and necessary treatments. In contrast, erosion refers to a loss of part of the epidermis that does not extend into the dermis, typically resulting in a moist, red area rather than a deep cleft. A scale is a build-up of dead skin cells that appear as flaky patches on the surface without the deep linear characteristics of a fissure. A crust involves a dried-out exudate that forms on the surface of a wound or lesion but does not represent a linear split in the skin. This contextual understanding reinforces why the term "fissure" specifically applies to the described condition.