Which term describes a pigmented skin blemish, birthmark, or mole?

• A. Nevus
• B. Lesion
• C. Arthritis
• D. Synovitis

Answer: (A)

Nevi are pigmented skin blemishes commonly called moles or birthmarks. A nevus is a benign collection of melanocytes in the skin, which gives the color and can be flat (junctional) or raised (compound or intradermal). This term is specific to pigmented skin lesions, whereas a lesion is a general term for any abnormal tissue area. Arthritis and synovitis involve joints, not the skin, so they describe something different entirely. Because the question asks for the term describing pigmented skin blemish, birthmark, or mole, nevus is the best fit.