Master HOSA Dental terminology with interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Study with confidence and enhance your ability for exam success and knowledge expansion. Prepare effectively and achieve your certification goals.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What are petechiae commonly defined as?

  1. Large blue areas caused by blood escape

  2. Little red spots on the skin or mucous membrane

  3. Thin, hair-like blood vessels

  4. Hard lesions on the surface of the skin

The correct answer is: Little red spots on the skin or mucous membrane

Petechiae are commonly defined as little red spots on the skin or mucous membrane. These tiny, pinpoint-sized spots occur due to bleeding under the skin, often from small blood vessels called capillaries that have ruptured. They can arise from a variety of causes, including trauma, certain medical conditions, or infections that affect blood clotting. Unlike larger bruises, petechiae do not change color as they heal, and their presence can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that may require medical attention. The specific size and appearance of petechiae make them distinct from other types of skin lesions or discolorations, providing important diagnostic clues in clinical settings.