Chapter 4 Flashcards
Abscess
A localized collection of pus.
Adhesion
Parts of tissue that cling to the surface of the adjoining organs as normal fibrous scar tissue develops in an operative site, resulting in a fibrous band.
Antibody
Immunoglobulins that develop in response to an antigen; also called immune bodies; proteins that the body produces to react to and render the antigen harmless.
Antigen
A cell marker that induces a state of sensitivity after coming in contact with an anti-body; any substance that causes the body some type of harm, thus setting off this specific reaction.
Bacteria
A one-celled microorganisms that may be aerobic or anaerobic and free-living, saprophytic, parasitic, or pathogenic.
Cellulitis
Inflammation of connective tissue.
Chemotaxis
The movement of cells or organisms in response to chemicals.
Culture and sensitivity
A test to identify a pathogen and the type of treatment needed.
Debridement
A process of washing or cutting away necrotic tissue and foreign material.
Dehiscence
Separation of tissue margins.
Diapedesis
Passage of blood, or its formed elements, through the intact walls of blood vessels.
Emphysema
An accumulation of pus in a body cavity.
Exudate
Fluid that has seeped out of tissue or capillaries because of injury or inflammation.
Fistula
A tract that connects two organs or cavities to each other or to the surface of the skin.
Fungi
Forms of yeast and molds; microscopic plant-like organisms.
Helminthology
Intestinal parasites; also called worms; nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes.
Histamine
A substance that causes local arterioles, venules, and capillaries to dilate, resulting in an increase in blood flow to the area; released in response to injury or irritation.
Hypermedia
Can increased blood flow in response to a release of histamine.
Induration
Hardened tissue.
Infection
Invasion of microorganisms into the tissue, causing cell or tissue injury, thus leading to the inflammatory response.
Inflammation
A basic pathologic process of cytologic and chemical reactions that occur in the blood vessels and tissues in response to an injury or irritation; a protective immune response that is triggered by any type of injury or irritant.
Keloid
Excessive collagen formation, often resulting in a hard, raised scar.
Lesion
Any discontinuity of tissue.
Leukocytosis
An increase in white cell count
Macrophage
A monocyte that leaves the bloodstream and moves into the tissue and becomes phagocytic.
Malaise
General ill feeling.
Mast cells
Also called tissue histocytes; found in all tissues of the body; play a major role in the inflammatory process.
Opportunistic
Normal flora bacteria that takes the “opportunity “to cause infection in the host.
Primary union
Also called healing by first intention; involves approximating the edges of the wound.
Protozoa
A parasite of the phylum Protozoa; a single-celled microscopic member of the animal kingdom.
Pure lent
Loaded with dead and dying neutrophils, tissued debris, and pyogenic (pus-forming) bacteria.
Pus
White or yellow exudate due to death of numerous neutrophils mixed with exudate or blood fluid.
Pyogenic
Pus forming.
Rickettsias
Microscopic organisms that are intermediate between bacteria and viruses. They live in the host and are spread by lice, fleas, ticks, and mites.
Scar
Skin lesion resulting from fibrous connective tissue repair.
Secondary union
Also called healing by secondary intention; the same process as primary union, but involving a larger degree of tissue damage and more information to resolve.
Septicemia
A systemic disease caused by the spread of microorganisms in the blood; also called blood poisoning
Sinus
A tract or opening to the surface of the body forward by a large ruptured abscess.
Tachycardia
A rapid heart rate; usually a rate over 100 beats per minute.
Trauma
A physical or mental injury.
Ulcer
A crater-like lesion in the skin or mucous membranes.
Virulent
Difficult to kill; able to produce disease.
Virus(es)
Hey large group of infectious agents; they are much smaller than bacteria and must be viewed with an electron microscope. They can pass through fine filters that would retain most bacteria.
