Cellular Basis of Disease Flashcards
Define aetiology
the cause of disease - e.g. a biological agent such as bacteria
What is an acquired disease?
A disease caused by environmental factors
What is a congenital disease?
a disease present at birth, even if it cannot be recognised at that time
Define pathogeneis
mechanism by which the cause(s) interact with the target cells or tissues to produce pathological changes
What is ‘coagulative necrosis’?
retention of cell structure even though cell death is occuring. Ghost-like structure
What is ‘liquefaction necrosis’?
Fluid-filled cavity of dead tissue
What is ‘caseating necrosis’ and what disease is it most commonly seen in?
Accumulation of inflammatory cells (granuloma). it’s not liquid but it has lost structure so looks to be between coagultive and liquefaction necrosis. seen specifically in TB
Define hyperplasia
increase in cell number - e.g. breast hyperplasia during puberty
Define hypertorphy
increase in cell size - e.g. muscle hypertrophy after regular exercise
Define atrophy
decrease in size and number of cells
Define dysplasia
when cells have abnormal cytology (structure). it is a pre-cancerous state
define metaplasia
conversion of one type of differentiated tissue into another.
define ‘iatrogenic disease’
disease caused as a result of treatment or intervention - e.g. drugs, radiation, blood transfusion, surgical complications
