Chapter 1 Introduction to Pathophysiology Flashcards
Define health
The physical, mental, and social well-being
- More holistic
Define disease
Deviation from the normal state of homeostasis
Define homeostasis
A steady state where our internal environment remains fairly consistent despite changes in our external environment
Can a steady state differ from individuals?
Yes
What are adjustments caused by?
- Age
- Genetics
- Gender
- Environment
- Activity Level
What can change a value?
The technology used for measurement
What is gross level?
Organ or system level
What is microscopic level?
Cellular level
What is a biopsy?
Excision of small amounts of living tissue
What is an autopsy?
Examination of the body and organs after death
What is a diagnosis?
The identification of a basic disease
How do you make a diagnosis?
- Laboratory tests
- Evaluation of signs and symptoms
What is etiology?
Causative factors in a particular disease
What are the 8 examples of etiology?
- Congenital defects
- Inherited or genetic disorders
- Microorganisms
- Immunologic dysfunctions
- Degenerative changes
- Malignancy
- Metabolic, nutritional problems
- Trauma, burns, environmental factors
Define idiopathic
The cause of disease is unknown
Define iatrogenic
An error/treatment/procedure may cause the disease
What are examples of predisposing factors?
- Age
- Gender
- Inherited factors
- Environments
What is prophylaxis?
To preserve health; prevent spread of disease
How can prevention be achieved?
- Vaccinations
- Dietary/lifestyle modifications
- Prevention of potentially harmful activities
Define pathogenesis
The development of the disease
What are the two types of onset of disease?
- Sudden/Acute
- Insidious/Chronic
Define insidious
Gradual, vague or mild signs
What is acute disease
Short-term, develops quickly
What is an acute disease?
Short-term, develops quickly
What is a chronic disease?
Develops gradually
- Milder symptoms, often intermitted with acute episodes
Define subclinical state
Pathological changes, no obvious manifestations
Define latent state
- No symptoms or clinical signs evident
- In infectious diseases: incubation period
What is the prodromal period?
Early development of the disease
- Signs are nonspecific or absent
What are manifestations?
Clinical evidence with signs and symptoms
What is a local manifestation?
At site of the problem
What is a systemic manifestation?
A general indicator of illness (i.e. fever)
What are signs?
Objective indicators of disease (what you observe)
What are symptoms?
Subjective feelings (what the patient “says”)
What are lesions?
Specific local change in the tissue
What is a syndrome?
A collection of signs and symptoms
What are diagnostic tests?
Various laboratory tests
- Appropriate to manifestations and medical history
What is a precipitating factor?
A condition that triggers an acute episode
What is complications?
New secondary or additional problems
What do remissions and exacerbations mark?
The course or progress of a disease
Define remission
A period which manifestations subside
Define exacerbation
A worsening of severity
Define therapy
Measures to promote recovery/slow progress
What is sequelae?
Potential unwanted outcomes
What is convalescence/rehabilitation?
Period of recovery and return to healthy state
What is morbidity?
The disease rates within a group
What is mortality?
Relative number of deaths resulting from the disease
What is an autopsy?
Postmortem examination
What is epidemiology?
Tracking the pattern or occurrence of disease
What are the 2 major data collection centers?
WHO and CDC
What is the incidence?
Number of new cases in a given population within a given time period
What is the prevalence?
Number of new, old, or existing cases within a given population and time period
Define epidemics
A higher number of expected cases of an infectious disease occur within an area
What is a pandemic
Involve a higher number of infectious diseases in many regions of the globe
What is a communicable disease?
Infectious disease that can spread from one person to another
Who are notifiable/reportable diseases reported by?
The physician to the designated authorities (authority varies with local jurisdiction)
What diseases are required to be reported?
This may change over time
What is the intention of reporting diseases?
To prevent the further spread of the disease
Define atrophy
A decrease in the size of cells
- Results in reduced tissue mass
Define hypertrophy
An increase in cell size
- Results in enlarged tissue mass
Define hyperplasia
An increased number of cells
- Results in enlarged tissue mass
Define metaplasia
A mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type
Define dysplasia
Cells vary in size and shape within a tissue
Define anaplasia
Undifferentiated cells, with variable nuclear and cell structures
Define neoplasia
“New growth” - commonly called tumor
What is apoptosis?
Programmed cell death
- Normal occurrence in the body
Define ischemia
Deficit of oxygen in the cells
Define hypoxia
- Reduced oxygen in tissues
- Nutritional deficits
Define pyroptosis
Results in lysis causing nearby inflammation
Define lysis
A cell rupture
Define lysis
The breakdown of a cell
How does physical damage occur?
- Excessive heat or cold
- Radiation exposure
How does mechanical damage occur?
Pressure or tearing of tissue
What are chemical toxins?
Exogenous and endogenous
Define exogenous
From the environment
Define endogenous
From inside the body
What are examples of microorganisms?
Bacteria and viruses
What are the 6 ways a cell can be damaged?
- Physical damage
- Mechanical damage
- Chemical toxins
- Microorganisms
- Abnormal metabolites
- Imbalance of fluids or electrolytes
What are 3 examples of abnormal metabolites?
- Genetic disorders
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Altered metabolism
What does necrosis do?
Dying cells causes further cell damage due to cellular disintegration
What is liquefaction necrosis?
Dead cells liquefy because of release of cell enzymes
What is coagulative necrosis
Cell proteins are altered or denatures - coagulation
What is fat necrosis?
Fatty tissue is broken down into fatty acids
What is caseous necrosis?
A form of coagulation necrosis
- Thick, yellow, “cheesy” substance forms
Define infarction
Area of dead cells as a result of oxygen deprivation
Define gangrene
An area of necrotic tissue that has been invaded by bacteria
