Nature of Disease Flashcards
The science that deals with the study of disease, which involves changes in the body structure and function.
Pathology
Cause of disease.
Etiology
Natural history and development of disease.
Pathogenesis
Study of structural changes in the body caused by disease.
Pathological anatomy (morbid anatomy)
Study of changes in structure of the body that are readily seen with the unaided (naked) eye as a result of disease. e.g., autopsy
Gross pathology
Study of microscopic changes that cells, tissues and organs undergo as a result of disease. e.g., biopsy
Microscopic pathology (histopathology)
Study of tissue specimens excised surgically in a major or minor operation.
Surgical pathology
Study of disease by means of body secretions, excretions, and other body fluids (tissues, blood, urine) performed in the laboratory in the diagnosis of a disease.
Clinical pathology
The study of changes in body functions due to disease.
Physiological pathology (pathophysiology)
Study of disease to ascertain cause and manner of death, concerned with accidents and homicides, without regard to any particular organ or system; may use autopsy to determine cause of death.
Medico-Legal (forensic) pathology
Deals with study of widespread processes of disease such as inflammation, degeneration, necrosis or cellular death, repair, without reference to particular tissue, organ, or system of organs.
General pathology
Deals with specific features of disease in relation to particular tissue, organ, or organ systems.
Special pathology
Postmortem (after-death) examination of the body organs and tissues to determine cause of death or pathological conditions.
Autopsy (Necropsy)
- Confirm, amplify, reject or alter clinical diagnosis
- Advance medical knowledge and research
- Assist in medicolegal cases to determine identification of deceased, cause (injury or disease) and manner (natural, homicide, suicide, accident, or undetermined) or death
- Alleviate concerns of “Family members”
Importance of Autopsy
A public officer whose chief duty os to investigate questionable deaths; responsible for identification of a dead body, and investigating deaths.
Coroner
Almost always officials of the state government or of the local county government.
Coroner
Usually not a medical doctor
In some places (rural areas) the local funeral director holds this post.
Coroner
A forensically trained physician (medical doctor) whose duty is to investigate questionable or unattended deaths (has replaced the coroner in some states); officially authorized by the government.
Medical Examiner
Ascertains causes of deaths, especially those not occurring under natural circumstances
Medical Examiner
Examines employees of a particular firm or applicants for life insurance.
Medical Examiner
In some jurisdictions, must be both a doctor and a lawyer.
Medical Examiner
essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized.
Nature
State of functional disequilibrium, change in function or structure (at organ or system level) that is considered to be abnormal.
May be result from infection, genetic defect, environmental factors or stress.
Characterized by signs or symptoms.
Disease
More or less rapid onset and short duration
Acute
More or less slow onset and long duration
Chronic
A disease starts at the cell level > proceeds to the tissue > organs > the whole body
-severity depends on which organs are diseased and the interdependence of other organs to the diseased organ.
Virchow’s Cellular Theory of Disease
Include the heart, lungs, brain, liver, pancreas, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Vital Organs
The term denoting the naming of disease or syndrome; to recognize the nature of a disease (through evaluation of patient’s history, examination and laboratory data).
Diagnosis
Prediction of the outcome of disease
Prognosis
Unfavorable condition arising during the course of disease.
Complication
Aftermath of a particular disease (e.g. damage to the heart after rheumatic fever)
Sequel
Specific pathogenic structural or functional changes, or both brought about by disease or injury.
Lesion