Which term describes a small, solid, raised lesion on the surface of the skin?

The term that accurately describes a small, solid, raised lesion on the surface of the skin is "papule." Papules are typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter and can vary in color; they may appear red, brown, or skin-colored. Their solid nature distinguishes them from other types of lesions, as they do not contain fluid like pustules or vesicles, which are both fluid-filled.

In the context of dermatological terms, macules refer to flat, non-raised spots on the skin, like freckles, which lack any elevation. Pustules are raised lesions that contain pus, often seen in inflammatory skin conditions like acne. Vesicles are small, fluid-filled sacs, typically less than 1 centimeter, that may arise due to conditions such as herpes or chickenpox. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately identifying skin lesions and diagnosing various dermatological conditions.