car pathology

Question 1

HAEMOPHILIA

Answer 1

The blood’s inability to clot. This is an inherited disease which affects mainly men but which can be carried by women.

Question 2

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Answer 2

A degenerative disease of the arteries, in which the walls of the vessels harden and lose elasticity. The loss of elasticity causes an increase in blood pressure. This condition mainly affects the elderly.

Question 3

HAEMORRHOIDS

Answer 3

Also known as piles, these are enlarged veins in the rectum or anus which may collapse or contain blood clots.

Question 4

PHLEBITIS

Answer 4

Inflammation of a vein. Thrombo-phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein where a blood clot has formed.

Question 5

THROMBUS

Answer 5

A blood clot in the heart or in the blood vessels.

Question 6

HIV/AIDS

Answer 6

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a complex disease that follows infection with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks T-lymphocytes, making the immune system incapable of fighting disease. It is transmitted through blood and other body fluids.

Question 7

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Answer 7

Also known as hypertension, this is blood pressure which consistently remains above the normal level.

Question 8

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

Answer 8

Also known as hypotension, this is blood pressure which consistently remains below the normal level.

Question 9

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Answer 9

High cholesterol is an excessive build-up of a fatty substance called cholesterol, which can cause a reduction in arterial capacity (atherosclerosis – see previous page) and thus high blood pressure.

Question 10

HEPATITIS A B C

Answer 10

Inflammations of the liver, caused by viruses, toxic substances or immunological abnormalities. Type A is spread by fecally contaminated food. Types B and C are transmitted by infected body fluids including blood. Contagious.

Question 11

CORONARY THROMBOSIS

Answer 11

A blood clot in the coronary artery.

Question 12

ANEURYSM

Answer 12

A cardiovascular disease characterized by a sac-like widening of an artery resulting from weakening of the artery wall.

Question 13

Anaemia

Answer 13

is a reduction in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, caused either by a decrease in red blood cells, or the haemoglobin they carry, or both. It may be caused by extensive loss of blood, lack of iron in the diet, the failure of bone marrow to produce the normal level of cells or it may be inherited.

Question 14

Leukaemia

Answer 14

is a cancer of the blood, caused by over-production of white blood cells.

Question 15

Septicaemia

Answer 15

Also known as blood poisoning, this is a generalised disease associated with the circulation and multiplication of toxic bacteria in the blood.

Question 16

STRESS

Answer 16

can be defined as any factor which affects mental or physical health. When a person is stressed, the heart beats faster, thus pumping blood more quickly. Excessive and unresolved stress can lead to high blood pressure, coronary thrombosis and heart attacks.

Question 17

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Answer 17

thickening or hardening of the arteries, caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. (Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. As it builds up in the arteries, the artery walls become thickened and stiff)