AI generated Flashcards
What are the methods of making a diagnosis?
Blood, urine/faeces, biopsy/resection, imaging, biomarker detection including DNA-based technology
These methods help in identifying diseases through various biological samples and imaging techniques.
What is an Ultrasound Scan?
A procedure that uses high frequency sound waves with low resolution
Ultrasound is commonly used for imaging soft tissues and organs.
What does CT stand for and how does it work?
Computerised Tomography; it uses X-rays to image organs quickly with less detail than MRI
CT scans are often used in emergency settings for rapid assessment.
What are the main features of neoplastic cells?
Do not respond to external signals, do not undergo cell death when stressed
These characteristics differentiate neoplastic cells from normal cells.
Define ‘neoplastic mass’.
A mass of neoplastic cells known as a tumour, which is not always cancerous
Tumours can be benign or malignant.
What is cellular pleomorphism?
Variation in shape and size of cells or nuclei
This is a feature of poorly differentiated cancer cells.
What distinguishes benign tumours from malignant ones?
Benign tumours have defined margins and remain localized; malignant tumours invade surrounding tissue
The growth patterns and margins are key in determining the nature of the tumour.
What is the purpose of histological examination?
To examine cellular characteristics and distribution of neoplastic cells
This examination is critical for accurate diagnosis of diseases.
What is the main goal of a biopsy?
To obtain a tissue sample for examination
Different types of biopsies include needle, endoscopic, incisional, and excisional.
At what age are women invited for cervical cancer screening?
25 years
Screening is conducted through smears every 3 or 5 years.
What is the main histological stain used in tissue examination?
Haematoxylin and Eosin
This stain helps differentiate between acidic and basic cellular structures.
What are heat shock proteins?
Proteins that act as chaperones to protect and refold other proteins
They play a crucial role in cellular stress responses.
True or False: Apoptosis is a normal cell process.
True
Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that is essential for normal development and homeostasis.
What is the primary cause of acute inflammation?
To eliminate damaging stimuli and heal damage
Acute inflammation is a protective response that is usually temporary.
List the cardinal effects of acute inflammation.
- Rubor (redness)
- Calor (heat)
- Dolor (pain)
- Tumor (swelling)
These effects are due to increased blood flow and vascular permeability.
What is the role of neutrophils in acute inflammation?
Main effector cells that perform phagocytosis
Neutrophils are usually the first responders to sites of infection.
What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate immunity is rapid and non-specific; adaptive immunity is slower and antigen-specific
Both arms of the immune system are crucial for fighting infections.
What are the main characteristics of viruses?
Not cells, possess genetic material, lack cell membranes and machinery for synthesizing macromolecules
Viruses replicate within host cells and are difficult to treat.
What defines bacteria?
Prokaryotic cells that lack a distinct nucleus and have a cell wall
Bacteria are classified based on various characteristics including shape and staining properties.
What is the most common cause of infection-related death in Europe?
Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of microorganisms.
What is the ‘Causal Pies Model’ in epidemiology?
All individual contributing factors must be present for disease to occur
This model helps understand the multifactorial nature of disease.
What increases susceptibility to diseases like breast cancer?
Genetic factors such as BRCA1/2 mutations
Environmental and lifestyle factors also play a significant role.
What was the fatality rate of influenza in 2009?
4% of annual flu deaths
2009 saw 18,000 deaths attributed to influenza.
What is the typical fatality rate of influenza?
Less than 0.1%.
What does the causal pies model for epidemiology state?
All individual contributing factors must be present for disease to occur.
Name two genetic conditions that increase susceptibility to diseases based on ethnic background.
- Sickle-cell anaemia (common in African/Mediterranean heritage)
- Tay Sachs disease (common in Ashkenazi/Jewish/French Canadian ancestry)
What are the main causes of death in the developed world?
- Chronic diseases
- Cancer
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
What percentage of deaths in 2008 were due to cancer?
Around 13%.
List some common carcinogens.
- Tobacco
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Viruses (HPV, RSV)
- Aflatoxin B
- Radiation
What types of specimens are commonly used for clinical biochemistry tests?
- Serum from venous blood
- Urine
- Arterial blood
- Faeces
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Sweat
- Saliva
What is the difference between serum and plasma?
Serum is the top layer after blood is centrifuged without anticoagulant; plasma is the top layer after adding anticoagulant.
Define precision in the context of clinical biochemistry.
Reproducibility of test results.