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APPENDIX C: SELECTED TERMS FROM THE AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY ON
THE ABUSE OF CHILDREN’S “GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND THE INTERPRETATION OF
FINDINGS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE EVIDENTIARY EXAMINATIONS”
Abrasion: *Area of body surface denuded of skin or mucous membrane by some
unusual or abnormal mechanical process. An injury.
Anal Fissure: *A superficial break (split) in the perianal skin which radiates out from
the anal orifice. A variety of causes including the passage of hard stools,
diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, and trauma.
Anal Verge: *The tissue overlying the subcutaneous external anal sphincter at the
most distal portion of the anal canal (anoderm) and extends exteriorly to
the margin of the anal skin.
Annular Hymen: *Hymenal membrane extends completely around the circumference of
the vaginal orifice.
Anus: *The anal orifice, which is the lower opening of the digestive tract, lying
in the fold between the buttocks.
Attenuation: *Narrowing of the hymen. The term should be restricted to indicate a
documented change in the width of the posterior portion of the hymen
following an injury.
Clock Position *Method by which the location of a structure may be designated by
Reference: the numerals on the face of a clock. The 12 o’clock position is always
superior (up). The 6 o’clock position is always inferior (down). The
position of the patient must be indicated when using this designation.
Crescentic Hymen: *Hymen with anterior attachments at approximately the 11 o’clock and
1 o’clock positions with no hymenal tissue visible between the two
attachments.
Cribriform Hymen: *Hymen with multiple openings.
Ecchymosis: *Hemorrhagic area on the skin due to extravasation of blood into the
skin or a mucous membrane. A bruise.
Edema: *The presence of abnormal amounts of fluid in the intercellular space.
Swelling.
Erythema: *Redness on the skin or mucous membranes produced by congestion
(dilation) of the capillaries. Non-specific finding as it may result from a
variety of irritants as well as direct trauma.