Introduction-basic terminology Flashcards
Abnormal function of a body part or system due to hereditary, infectious, dietary, environmental, or other causes and characterized by a certain set of signs and symptoms
Disease
The study of the causes of a disease
Etiology
An extremely small life form invisible to the unaided eye
microorganism
A microorganism smaller than the smallest bacterium that has no cellular structure and can cause infectious disease
Virus
The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body tissues
Infection
A local protective tissue response to infection, injury, or irritation in which specialized cells move to the affected area. Characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain
Inflammation
Referring to a condition that flares up suddenly and persists for only a short time
Acute
Referring to a condition that has persisted for some time
Chronic
The body’s response to infection, in which antibodies are manufactured to neutralize the infecting microorganism and perhaps prevent recurrence of the infection
Immune reaction
A chemical substance that the body manufactures to neutralize an infecting microorganism, toxin, or foreign agent
Antibody
A condition in which the body produces antibodies to foreign materials such as food, plant pollens, or medications
Allergic Reaction
A condition in which the supply of blood to a part of the body is severely reduced
Ischemia
Totally obstructed or blocked
Occluded
Referring to any disease process or effect that is present from birth
Congenital
Referring to a trait that is inherited from either or both parents
Genetic
Referring to any process in which the structure or function of body tissues gradually deteriorates
Degenerative
A new growth of different or abnormal tissue. i.e. tumor or wart
Neoplasm
Referring to any tumor that is not dangerous to the wellbeing of the individual
Benign
Term used to describe a condition that tends to become worse and to cause severe complications or death
Malignant
The process by which cancerous tumor cells move from the site of the original growth to other, distant areas of the body
Metastasis
Physical injury to body tissue from various causes, including force, toxins, or temperature extremes
Trauma
A poison
Toxin
