Introduction to the study of illness Flashcards
Aetiology?
The cause of the disease
Complications?
Other consequences that might arise if the disease progresses
Pathogenesis?
The nature of the disease process and it’s effect on normal body functioning
Prognosis?
The likely outcome
Mechanisms that commonly cause disease?
Genetic abnormalities, either inherited or acquired Infection by microorganisms Chemicals Ionising radiation Physical trauma Degeneration, excessive use or ageing
Types of microorganisms that cause infection?
Bacteria
Viruses
Microbes
Parasites e.g. worms
What is inflammation?
Non-specific
A tissue response to any kind of tissue damage, such as trauma or infection
What suffix allows you to easily recognise inflammatory conditions?
‘-itis’
e.g. appendicitis
What are tumours?
Mass of cells growing outside the body’s normal control mechanisms
Arise when abnormal cells escape normal growth controls and proliferate
The rate of their production exceeds that of normal cell death, causing a mass to develop
What suffix identifies tumours?
‘-oma’
e.g. carcinoma
What are abnormal immune mechanisms?
Undesirable responses of the normally protective immune system
Allergic reactions are the result of an abnormal immune response to a foreign trigger known as an antigen
Acquired?
‘Terminology associated with disease’
A disorder that develops any time after birth
Acute?
‘Terminology associated with disease’
‘of sudden onset’
A disease with sudden onset often requiring urgent treatment
Chronic?
‘Terminology associated with disease’
‘Long-standing or recurring’
A long-standing disorder that cannot usually be cured
Communicable?
‘Terminology associated with disease’
A disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another
