HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following characteristics best describes a macule?

1. Raised and hard

2. Flat area with differing color

3. Found only in the oral cavity

4. Protruding above the skin

The correct answer is: Flat area with differing color

A macule is defined as a flat, distinct, and discolored area of skin that does not involve any change in texture or elevation. It is characterized by its difference in color compared to the surrounding skin, which can indicate various conditions, such as a benign nevus (mole), a rash, or pigmentation changes. Since it is flat and not raised, it does not create a protrusion above the skin surface, which would categorize it distinctly from conditions that involve raised or hard lesions. The other characteristics do not apply to a macule. For instance, raised and hard lesions are indicative of papules or nodules, not macules. Additionally, macules are not restricted to the oral cavity; they can appear on any part of the skin and are seen in general dermatological contexts. Therefore, the best description of a macule is indeed a flat area with differing color, making option B the most accurate choice.