Pathology Vocabulary Flashcards
Prefix that means without or not.
A
Decrease in, such as in pain.
Abatement
An excoriation, a circumscribed removal of the epidermis of skin or mucous membrane.
Abrasion
Localized accumulation of pus.
Abscess
A marked decrease in blood carbon dioxide content.
Acapnia
Condition in which there is an excessive proportion of acid in the blood.
Acidosis
Presents itself after birth.
Acquired
A disease which is not congenital, but has developed since birth.
Acquired Disease
Prefix that means extremity.
Acro
Hyperfunction of pituitary gland after ossification has been completed.
Acromegaly
A disease with a more or less rapid onset and short duration.
Acute
Prefix meaning gland.
Adeno
A neoplasm formed by glandular epithelium.
Adenoma
Suffix meaning pain.
Algia
Condition in which there is an excessive proportion of alkali in the blood.
Alkalosis
Having a hypersensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction.
Allergies
A pre-senile dementia occurring usually in persons over 60 years of age; thought to be associated with neurofibril degeneration.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Congenital absence of one or more limbs.
Amelia
Prefix meaning without.
An
Generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue.
Anasarca
A decrease in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, or both.
Anemia
A localized dilation of a blood vessel.
Aneurysm
Suffix meaning vessel.
Angio
A swelling or tumor due to dilation (hemangioma) or lymphatics (lymphangioma)
Angioma
Deficient blood oxygen supplies to tissues.
Anoxia
Failure of a tissue or an organ or develop normally; Congenital absence of an organ or other part. In hematology, incomplete or defective development or a cessation of regeneration.
Aplasia
Suffix meaning enzyme.
Ase
Mutual opposition or contrary action. The inhibition of one bacterial organism by another.
Antagonism
Prefix meaning before.
Ante
Prefix meaning against.
Anti
Glycoprotein substance developed in response to, and interacting specifically with an antigen.
Antibody (Immunoglobulin)
A foreign substance that stimulates the formation of antibodies that interact specifically with it.
Antigen
The prevention of sepsis by preventing or inhibiting the growth of causative microorganisms.
Antisepsis
Dilution or weakening of virulence of a microorganism, reducing or abolishing pathogenicity.
Attenuation
Disease of the arteries resulting in thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls.
Arteriosclerosis
Inflammation, usually of a chronic progressive character, involving an artery or arteries.
Arteritis
Prefix meaning joint.
Arthro
Accumulation of free serous fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Ascites
Loss of consciousness from deficient oxygen.
Asphyxia
A form of arteriosclerosis marked by the deposition of lipids in the inner layer of arterial walls.
Atherosclerosis
A wasting, decrease in size of an organ or tissue.
Atrophy
Prefix meaning self.
Auto
A postmortem examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological condition.
Autopsy (Necropsy)
Self-nourishing bacteria that are capable of growing in the absence of organic compounds. Organisms that obtain carbon from carbon dioxide.
Autotrophic Bacteria
A tearing away.
Avulsion
Any rod-shaped microorganism.
Bacillus (pl. Bacilli)
The presence of viable bacteria in the blood stream.
Bacteremia
A procaryotic, one-celled microorganism of the Kingdom Monera, existing as free living organisms or as parasites, multiplying by binary fission and having a large range of biochemical properties.
Bacteria
A visible group of bacteria growing on a solid medium, presumably arising from a single microorganism.
Bacterial Colony
An agent that destroys bacteria but not necessarily their spores.
Bactericide
Science that studies bacteria.
Bacteriology
The red pigment in the bile.
Bilirubin
The green pigment in the bile.
Biliverdin
A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria in which the cell splits into two parts, each of which develops into a complete individual.
Binary Fission
Prefix meaning life.
Bio
An arthropod vector in which the disease causing organism multiplies or develops within the arthropod prior to becoming infective for a susceptible individual.
Biological Vector
Pre-embalming purge as a result of a fracture of the skull, a surgical procedure in the cranial cavity or a trauma. It is possible for gas (a type of purge) to build up in the cranium and travel along the nerve routes to distend such tissues as the eyelids.
Brain Purge
Severe form of malnutrition.
Cachexia
Several communicating boils of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the production and discharge of pus and dead tissue.
Carbuncle
General term for a malignant tumor.
Carcinoma
The membrane that surrounds some bacterial cells; a loose gel-like structure that, in pathogenic bacteria, help to protect against phagocytes.
Capsule
Formation of cavities in an organ or tissue; frequently seen in some forms of tuberculosis.
Cavitation
Suffix meaning a protrusion.
Cele
The deterioration of an organ or cell structure which may include swelling.
Cellular Degeneration
A cellular reaction to injury which may include pigmentation, calcification, and gout.
Cellular Infiltration
Suffix meaning perforating.
Centesis
A blow; hence a sudden attack, as a sunstroke, a paralytic or apoplectic stroke or apoplexy.
Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)
Primary lesion, initial sclerosis, syphilitic sore, the first manifestation of syphilis.
Chancre
A large group of nonmotile, gram negative intracellular parasites.
Chlamydia
Prefix meaning bile.
Chol
Suffix meaning bile.
Chole
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
Cholecystitis
A disease with a more or less slow onset and long duration.
Chronic
A degeneration or atrophy of the parenchyma cells of an organ with hypertrophy of the interstitial connective tissue.
Cirrhosis
Congenitally malformed palate with a fissure along the midline.
Cleft Palate
Study of disease by means of body secretions, excretions, and other body fluids performed in the laboratory in the diagnosis of a disease.
Clinical Pathology
A type of bacteria that is spherical or ovoid in form.
Coccus (pl. Cocci)
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon.
Colitis
The symbiotic relationship of two organisms of different species in which one gains some benefit such as protection or nourishment.
Commensalism
A disease that may be transmitted directly or indirectly from one individual to another.
Communicable
An unfavorable condition arising during the course of disease.
Complication
The immediate and temporary disturbance of brain function.
Concussion
Existing at the time of birth or shortly thereafter.
Congenital
A disease that begins before birth and is evident at the time of birth.
Congenital Disease
Accumulation of an excess of blood or tissue fluid in a body part.
Congestion
The act of introducing disease germs or infectious material into an area or substance.
Contamination
A bruise, often accompanied with swelling.
Contusion
A congenital condition due to hypothyroidism resulting in mental retardation.
Cretinism
Condition in which the descent of a testis into the scrotum is arrested at some point in the normal path.
Cryptorchism
Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane due to lack of oxygen.
Cyanosis
A sac within or on the body surface containing air or fluid.
Cyst
Prefix meaning bladder.
Cyst
Inflammation of a bladder, especially the urinary bladder.
Cystitis
Chemical reaction involving breaking of chemical bonds; forms two or more smaller molecule compounds from larger molecule compounds.
Decomposition
Disease due to lack of dietary or metabolic substance.
Deficiency
The deterioration of tissues with corresponding functional impairment as a result of disease or injury.
Degeneration
Loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem.
Dehydration
Prefix meaning through.
Dia
A term used to designate two diseases, diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus, each having the symptom of polyuria in common.
Diabetes
The term denoting the naming of the disease or syndrome; to recognize the nature of a disease.
Diagnosis
The condition of the heart being enlarged, occurring normally, artificially, or as a result of disease.
Dilatation
A double bacillus, two being linked end to end to each other.
Diplobacilli
A genus of bacteria that are gram-positive organisms occurring in pairs.
Diplococcus (Streptococcus)
A chemical or physical agent that kills disease-causing microorganisms generally used on inanimate objects.
Disinfectant
The destruction of infectious agents by chemical or physical means directly applied to inanimate objects.
Disinfection
The presence of a number of diverticula of the intestine.
Diverticulosis
Resistant, as in bacteria, to the action of a drug or drugs.
Drug-Fast
Condition that results when the body part that dies had little blood and remains aseptic and occurs when the arteries but not the veins are obstructed.
Dry Gangrene (Ischemic Necrosis)
Prefix meaning difficult.
Dys
Abnormal development of tissue.
Dysplasia
Faulty nutrition.
Dystrophy
Small, non-elevated hemorrhagic patch; extravasation of blood into a tissue.
Ecchymosis
Suffix meaning dilate.
Ectasis
Suffix meaning removal of.
Ectomy
Displaced; not in the normal place; for example: extrauterine pregnancy.
Ectopic
The implantation of the fertilized ovum in a site other than the normal one in the uterine cavity.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities.
Edema
Excessive wasting away of the body.
Emaciation
Free floating object in the bloodstream.
Embolism
Suffix meaning vomit.
Emesis
Suffix meaning blood.
Emia
Pus in the pleural cavity.
Empyema
Prefix meaning in.
En
Inflammation of the brain.
Encephalitis
A disease that is continuously present in a community.
Endemic
Prefix meaning within.
Endo
Inflammation of the endocardium, or lining membrane of the heart. It may involve only the membrane covering the valves or the general lining of the chambers of the heart.
Endocarditis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix uteri.
Endocervicitis
The ectopic occurrence of endometrial tissue or its diffuse inplantation or infiltration in the myometrium.
Endometrosis
Produced or arising from within a cell or organism.
Endogenous Infection
A thick-walled spore within a bacterium.
Endospores
Bacterial toxin confined within the body of a bacterium freed only when the bacterium is broken down, found only in gram negative bacteria.
Endotoxin
Inflammation of the intestine.
Enteritis
Prefix meaning intestine.
Entero
Prefix meaning upon.
Epi
A disease that is currently in higher than normal numbers.
Epidemic
A chromic neurological disease marked by sudden alterations in consciousness and frequently by convulsions.
Epilepsy
Bleeding from the nose.
Epistaxis
Inflammation of the esophagus.
Esophagitis
Suffix meaning sensation.
Esthesia
The study of the cause of disease.
Etiology
Prefix meaning out of.
Ex
Increase in severity of a disease.
Exacerbation
Originating outside an organ or part.
Exogenous Infection
A toxin produced by a microorganism and excreted into its surrounding medium. generally protein in nature.
Exotoxin
Increase in severity of a disease; Loss of blood to the point where life can no longer be sustained.
Exsanguination
The fluid that oozes through the tissues into a cavity or to the surface.
Exudate
A microorganism that prefers the environment devoid of oxygen but has adapted so that it can live and grow in the presence of oxygen.
Facultative Aerobe
An organism that prefers an oxygen environment but is capable of living and growing in its absence.
Facultative Anaerobe
Having the capacity to do something that is not compulsory, in particular having the ability to live or adapt to certain conditions.
Facultative Bacteria
Prefers live organic matter as a source of nutrition but can adapt to the use of dead organic matter under certain conditions.
Facultative Saprophyte
Term associated with fever.
Febrile
An encapsulated tumor composed mainly of fibrous connective tissue.
Fibroma (Fibroid, Tumor, Inoma)
One in which the organisms are originally confined to one area but enter the blood or lymph vessel and spread to other parts of the body.
Focal Infection
Any inanimate object to which infectious material adheres and can be transmitted.
Fomite
Having rapid and severe onset, usually fatal.
Fulminating
A condition or disease in which there is no recognizable change in anatomy.`
Functional
A group of diverse and widespread unicellular and multicellular organisms, lacking chlorophyll, usually bearing spores and often filamentous.
Fungus (pl. Fungi)
An agent that kills fungi and their spores.
Fungicide
An abscess or pyogenic infection of a sweat gland or hair follicle.
Furuncle
A form of necrosis combined with putrefaction.
Gangrene
Inflammation of the stomach.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the gingival tissue.
Gingivitis
Parenchymatous nephritis with pronounced lesions in the glomeruli.
Glomerulonephritis
An infection that becomes systemic.
General Infection
Deals with the study of the widespread processes of disease such as inflammation, degeneration, necrosis or cellular death, repair, etc. without reference to particular organs or organ systems.
General Pathology
Suffix meaning generation.
Genesis
A substance that destroys microorganisms.
Germicide
Enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency.
Goiter
Study of changes in structure of the body that are readily seen with the unaided eye as a result of disease.
Gross Pathology
Prefix meaning blood.
Hem, Hemo
Vomiting of blood.
Hematemesis
Tumor like swelling of blood.
Hematoma
Discharge of red blood cells in the urine.
Hematuria
An inherited hemorrhagic disease characterized by a tendency to excessive and sometimes spontaneous bleeding.
Hemophilia
Blood in sputum.
Hemoptysis
Escape of blood from the blood vascular system.
Hemorrhage
Inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis
Genetic characteristics transmitted from parent to offspring.
Hereditary
Abnormal protrusion of part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the wall that normally contains it.
Hernia
Prefix meaning dissimilar.
Hetero
An organism that requires complex organic food from a carbon source in order to grow and develop.
Heterotrophic Bacteria
Prefix meaning similar.
Homeo
Prefix meaning water.
Hydro
Abnormal collection of fluid in any sacculated cavity in the body, especially the tunica vaginalis.
Hydrocele
Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain.
Hydrocephalus
Distension of the pelvis and calyces of one or both kidneys with urine as a result of obstruction.
Hydronephrosis
Abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac.
Hydropericardium
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity.
Hydrothorax
Prefix meaning above or excess.
Hyper
Excess of blood in an area of the body.
Hyperemia
The increased size of an organ or part due to the excessive but regulated increase in the number of its cells.
Hyperplasia
The enlargement of an organ or part due to the increase in size of cells composing it.
Hypertrophy
Prefix meaning deficiency or beneath.
Hypo
Underdevelopment of a tissue, organ or the body.
Hypoplasia
Prefix meaning uterus.
Hyster
Suffix meaning a process.
Iasis
Results from the adverse activity of medical personnel.
Iatrogenic
Of unknown cause. (Example: essential hypertension).
Idiopathic
Any foreign or heterogeneous substance contained in a cell or in any tissue or organ that was not introduced as a result of trauma.
Inclusions
Plant life occurring or adapted for living in a specific environment.
Indigenous Flora
The formation of an area of necrosis in a tissue caused by obstruction in the artery supplying the area.
Infarction
The state or condition in which the body or part of it is invaded by a pathogenic agent that, under favorable conditions, multiplies and produces injurious effects.
Infection
The harboring of animal parasites, especially macroscopic forms, such as ticks or mosquitoes.`
Infestation
The process of seepage or diffusion into tissue or substances that are not ordinarily present.
Infiltration
A tissue reaction to irritation, infection, or injury marked by localized heat, swelling, redness, pain and sometimes loss of function.
Inflammation
Prefix meaning below.
Infra
A substance that kills insects.
Insecticide
Prefix beaning between.
Inter
Prefix meaning within.
Intra
State of being intoxicated, especially of being poisoned by a drug or toxic substance.
Intoxication
Extravasation of blood within the skull.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
A compound consisting of iodine combined with a carrier, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, often used as a reoperative skin disinfectant.
Idiophores
Reduction in arterial blood supply.
Ischemia
Suffix meaning inflammation of.
Itis
Conditions characterized by excessive concentration of bilirubin in the skin and tissues and deposition of excessive bile pigment in the skin, cornea, body fluids, and mucous membranes with the resulting yellow appearance of the patient.
Jaundice (Icterus)
A tear or torn wound.
Laceration
A substance that kills insect larva.
Larvacide
Specific pathologic structural and functional changes or both brought about by disease.
Lesion
Disease characterized by the appearance of great numbers of immature and abnormal white blood cells.
Leukemia
Prefix meaning white.
Leuko
Increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood.
Leucocytosis
Abnormal reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood.
Leucopenia
A tumor composed of fatty tissue.
Lipoma
Suffix meaning stone.
Lith
The major organ for detoxification and production of bile.
Liver
Infection caused by germs lodging and multiplying at one point in a tissue and remaining there.
Local Infection
Malignancy of lymphoid tissue.
Lymphoma
Suffix meaning to dissolve.
Lysis
Prefix meaning large.
Macro
Prefix meaning bad.
Mal
Suffix meaning softening.
Malacia
A defect or deformity.
Malformation (Anomaly)
Prefix meaning breast.
Mast
The spread of tumor cells from one part of the body to another by blood or lymph.
Metastasis
Temperature above which bacterial growth will not take place. 120 degrees F.
Maximum Temperature
A living organism or an object that is capable of transmitting infections by carrying the disease agent on its external body parts or surface.
Mechanical Vector
Study of disease to ascertain cause and manner of death.
Medicolegal (Forensic) Pathology
Prefix meaning great.
Mega
Suffix meaning large.
Megaly
Prefix meaning thick.
Melan
A malignant pigmented mole.
Melanoma
Blood in stool.
Melena
Prefix meaning month.
Men
Inflammation of the membranes of the brain or spinal cord.
Meningitis
Bacteria that prefers moderate temperatures and develops best at temperatures between 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C.
Mesophile
Replacement of one type of tissue into a form that is not normally found there.
Metaplasia
Transfer of a disease from its primary site to a distant location.
Metastasize
Prefix meaning small.
Micro
A microorganism that requires very little free oxygen.
Microaerophilic
Scientific study of microorganisms and their effect on other living organisms.
Microbiology
Study of microscopic changes that cells, tissues and organs undergo as a result of disease.
Microscopic Pathology (Histopathology)
Temperature below which bacterial growth will not take place. 32 degrees F.
Minimum Temperature
Infection caused by two or more organisms.
Mixed Infection
Necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate venous drainage; may be accompanied by the invasion of saprophytic bacteria.
Moist (Wet) Gangrene
Relative incidence of a disease in the population or number of cases in a given time at a given population.
Morbidity Rate
Number of deaths in a given time or place or proportion of deaths to a population.
Mortality Rate
A chronic disease of the nervous system characterized by remissions and relapses and by the presence of patches of demyelination associated with sclerosis or hardening, scattered diffusely throughout the gray and white matter of the brain stem and spinal chord.
Multiple Sclerosis
A relationship in which organisms of two different species live in close association to the mutual benefit of each.
Mutualism
The branch of science concerned with the study of fungi.
Mycology
Bacteria and Mycoplasma genus that are found in humans and most have no cell wall; the smallest free-living organisms presently known, being intermediate in size between viruses and bacteria.
Mycoplasmas
Inflammation of the spinal cord or of the bone marrow.
Myelitis
Prefix meaning muscle.
Myo
Referred to as heart attack. Usually results in damage to the myocardium.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart.
Myocarditis
Prefix meaning mucous.
Myx
Prefix meaning death.
Necro
Pathological death of a tissue still part of a living organism.
Necrosis
Renal calculus or gravel.
Nephrolithiasis
Prefix meaning new.
Neo
The abnormal, excessive and uncontrolled multiplication of cells with the formation of a mass or new growth of tissue.
Neoplasm (Tumor)
Prefix meaning kidney.
Nephr
Organisms that are free living and relationships are not required for survival.
Non-Symbiotic
Infection acquired in a hospital.
Nosocomial
A disease with an abnormally high rate of occurrence in members of the workforce.
Occupational Disease
Suffix meaning pain.
Odynia
Suffix meaning like.
Oid
Prefix meaning few.
Oligo
Diminished amount of urine production.
Oliguria
Suffix meaning tumor.
Oma
Inflammation of an ovary.
Oophoritis
An organism that exist as part of the normal flora but may become pathogenic under certain conditions.
Opportunist
Temperature at which organisms grow best. 98/100 degrees F.
Optimum Temperature
A condition or disease in which there is a change in anatomy.
Organic
Suffix meaning full of.
Osis
Pressure that develops when two solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane.
Osmotic Pressure
Prefix meaning bone.
Osteo
A tumor formed of bone. It may occur as an overgrowth of or outgrowth from bone, but constituting an independent tumor.
Osteoma
A disease marked by softening of the bones due to faulty calcification in adulthood.
Osteomalacia
Inflammation of bone and bone marrow.
Osteomyelitis
A disease of bone marked by increased porosity from widening of the Haversian canals and softness from absorption of the calcareous material. Loss of bone density.
Osteoporosis
Suffix meaning mouth.
Ostomy
Suffix meaning cut.
Otomy
Epidemic, widespread, even of worldwide event.
Pandemic Disease
A circumscribed overgrowth or hypertrophy of the papillae- of a cutaneous or mucous surface.
Papilloma
Paralysis agitans.
Parkinson’s Disease
An interactive relationship between two organisms in which one is harmed and the other benefits.
Parasitism
Study of structural changes in the body caused by disease.
Pathological Anatomy (Morbid Anatomy)
The science that deals with the study of disease.
Pathology
The manner in which a disease develops.
Pathogenesis
The state of producing or being able to produce pathological changes and disease.
Pathogenicity
Suffix meaning disease.
Pathy
Suffix meaning poverty, decrease.
Penia
An ulcer of the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum, caused by the action of highly acid gastric juice.
Peptic Ulcer
Inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane covering the heart and beginning of the great vessels.
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the peritoneum, or lining of the abdominal cavity.
Peritonitis
Antemortem, pinpoint, extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin.
Petechia
Prefix meaning to eat.
Phago
Inflammation of the mucous membrane and underlying parts of the pharynx.
Pharyngitis
Suffix meaning affinity for.
Phila
Prefix meaning vein.
Phleb
Inflammation of a vein.
Phlebitis
Congenital condition in which the proximal portions of the limbs are poorly developed or absent.
Phocomelia
Study of changes in body functions due to disease.
Physiological Pathology
Coloration caused by deposit, or lack, if colored material in the tissues.
Pigmentation
Suffix meaning to form.
Plasia
Suffix meaning paralysis.
Plegia
Refers to the lungs/pulmonary.
Pleural Cavity
Inflammation of the pleura, pleuritis.
Pleurisy
Suffix meaning breath.
Pnea
General term used to denote any prolonged inhalation of mineral dust.
Pneumoconiosis
Infection of the lungs.
Pneumonia
Prefix meaning gray.
Polio
A highly contagious infectious disease of the spinal cord caused by a filterable virus.
Poliomyelitis
Prefix meaning many, excess.
Poly
An increase in total red blood cell mass.
Polycythemia Vera
A growth or mass of tissue that protrudes from a mucous membrane.
Polyp
Prefix meaning after.
Post
Prefix meaning before.
Pro
Number of cases of disease present in a specified population at a given time.
Prevalence
An original infection from which a second one originates.
Primary Infection
A small proteinaceous infectious particle that is resistant to most procedures that modify nucleic acids.
Prion
Prediction of the outcome of disease.
Prognosis
Inflammation of the prostate gland.
Prostatitis
One-celled organisms of the Kingdom Protista- most are unicellular although some are colonial.
Protozoa
Science that deals with the study of protozoa.
Protozoology
Prefix meaning false.
Pseudo
Bacteria that prefer cold, thriving at temperatures between 0 degrees C and 25 degrees C.
Psychrophile
Suffix meaning falling.
Ptosis
To cause a copious evacuation from body orifices.
Purge
Condition in which spontaneous bleeding occurs in the subcutaneous tissues, causing the appearance of purple patches on the skin.
Purpura
A small elevation of the skin containing pus.
Pustule
Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney.
Pyelitis
Prefix meaning pus.
Pyo
Reappearance of symptoms after a period of remission (abatement).
Recurrent
Returned, noting symptoms or lesions reappearing after an intermission or remission.
Recurrent Disease
The replacement of damaged cells with identical cells.
Regeneration
Temporary cessation of symptoms of disease.
Remission
Kidney stones.
Renal Calculi
Physical or mechanical restoration of damaged or diseased tissue by the growth of healthy new cells, not necessarily the same type, or by surgery.
Repair
The termination of the inflammatory response with the affected part returning to its normal state.
Resolution
Suffix meaning bursting forth.
Rhagia
Suffix meaning flow.
Rhea
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane.
Rhinitis
A disease of infants and young children caused by deficiency of vitamin D resulting in defective bone growth.
Rickets
A genus of gram-negative, pathogenic, intracellular parasitic bacteria.
Rickettsia
Area of science that studies rickettsia.
Rickettsiology
Inflammation of the fallopian tube, or of the eustachian tube.
Salpingitis
Suffix meaning hardening.
Sclerosis
Infection caused by a different organism than the one causing the primary infection.
Secondary Infection
Condition characterized by the multiplication of bacteria in blood.
Septicemia
Objective disturbances produced by disease, observed by a physician, nurse or person attending the patient. (Examples: pulse, fever, heart rate).
Signs
Inflammation of the sinus cavities.
Sinusitis
Deals with the specific features of disease in relation to particular organs or organ systems.
Special Pathology
Congenital defect in which part of the vertebral column is absent or incomplete closure.
Spina Bifida
A genus of spiral bacteria having a corkscrew shape with a rigid cell wall and hair-like projections called flagella that assist in movement.
Spirillum (pl. Spirilla)
A genus of bacteria having a flexible cell wall but not flagella in the traditional sense. Movement in these organisms occurs by contractions (undulating) of long filaments (endoflagella) that run the length of the cell.
Spirochete
Disease that occurs occasionally in a random or isolated manner.
Sporadic
A genus of gram-positive, nonmotile, opportunistic bacteria which tend to aggregate in irregular, grape-like clusters.
Staphylococcus
Suffix meaning standing still.
Stasis
Abnormal constriction of a channel or orifice.
Stenosis
Process of completely removing or destroying all life forms or their products on or in a substance.
Sterilization
A genus of bacteria containing gram-negative rods, which form a chain-like colony.
Streptobacilli
Gram-positive cocci that occur in chains.
Streptococci
A microbe that can only live in the presence of oxygen.
Strict (Obligate) Aerobe
A microbe that can only survive in an area without oxygen present.
Strict (Obligate) Anaerobe
A parasite that is completely dependent on its living host for survival.
Strict (Obligate) Parasite
An organism that can only survive on dead or decaying organic matter.
Strict (Obligate) Saprophyte
The formation of pus.
Suppuration
Study of tissue specimens excised surgically in a major or minor operation.
Surgical Pathology
The living together in close association of different species.
Symbiosis
Subjective disturbances caused by disease that are felt or experienced by a patient but not directly measurable (example: pain, headache).
Symptoms
Prefix meaning together with.
Syn
Set of signs and symptoms associated with a particular disease (example: Down’s).
Syndrome
The harmonious action of two microorganisms producing an effect that neither could produce alone.
Synergism
Grouping of four spherical shaped cells.
Tetracocci
Bacteria that thrive best at high temperatures, between 40 degrees C and 70 degrees C.
Thermophile
The formation or presence of an attached blood clot.
Thrombosis
Blood distribution throughout the body of poisonous products of bacteria growing in a focal or local site, thus producing generalized symptoms.
Toxemia
A poisonous substance of plant, animal, bacterial, or fungal origin.
Toxin
Suffix meaning nourish.
Trophy
Real or genuine disease producing organism.
True Pathogen
Implantation and development of the fertilized ovum in a uterine tube.
Tubal Pregnancy
A open sore or lesion of skin or mucous membrane accompanied by sloughing of inflamed necrotic tissue.
Ulcer
Suffix meaning relating to urine.
Uria
A toxic condition caused by retention in the blood of waste products normally excreted in the urine.
Uremia
Relating to one or both ureters.
Ureteritis
Inflammation of the urethra.
Urethritis
Inflammation of the vagina.
Vaginitis (Colpitis)
Failure of a heart valve to close tightly, thus allowing regurgitation of blood.
Valvular Insufficiency (Incompetence)
Blister-like elevation of skin containing serous fluid.
Vesicle
(L. to move rapidly, vibrate). A genus of spiral bacteria which are curved or bent rods that resemble commas.
Vibrio
An agent destructive to viruses.
Viricide
The study of viruses and viral diseases.
Virology
Relative power and degree of pathogenicity possessed by organisms to produce disease.
Virulence
A intracellular, infectious parasite, capable of living and reproducing only in living cells.
Virus
Prefix meaning yellow.
Xantho
