Oregon Written Tattoo Practice Test

Circumscribed collections of pus in the deeper layers of skin are known as what?

1. Blisters

2. Abscesses

3. Cysts

4. Lesions

The correct answer is: Abscesses

The term for circumscribed collections of pus in the deeper layers of the skin is "abscesses." An abscess is a localized infection that causes the body to create a pocket of pus as a response to the infection, which usually consists of dead cells, bacteria, and immune cells. This pus collects beneath the skin, resulting in a swollen, painful area that may be warm to the touch. Understanding the definition of an abscess provides insight into its distinction from other conditions listed. Blisters, for instance, are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of the skin, often due to friction or burns, which is quite different from the deeper accumulation of pus found in abscesses. Cysts, on the other hand, are closed pockets of tissue that can contain air, fluid, or other substances but are not primarily associated with infection or pus. Lesions refer to any abnormal tissue change, which is a broad category that can include abscesses but does not specifically define a pus collection as an abscess does. Therefore, recognizing these distinctions helps clarify why "abscesses" is the appropriate term for this condition.