Pathophysiology Glossary Flashcards
abscess
a localized pocket of purulent exudate surrounded by imflammation
accomodation
the lens of the eye adjusts its shape for distance
achlorhydria
a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions
acidosis
an increased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of less than 7.4
adenocarcinoma
malignant tumor arising from glandular epithelial cells
adenoma
benign tumor made up of glandular epithelial cells
adhesion
a band of fibrous scar tissue forming an abnormal connection between two surfaces or structures
adrenergic
related to the sympathetic nervous system transmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
afferent
toward the center; for example, afferent nerves carry impulses toward the central nervous system
agenesis
lack of an organ or structure because of a developmental error
agglutination
clumping together of cells or particles
AIDS
a chronic infectious disease caused by HIV, which destroys helper t-lymphocytes. causing a loss of immune response
albumin
a plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure of the blood
aldosterone
a mineralocorticoid hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the renal tubules
alkalosis
a decreased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of greater than 7.4
allele
one of two forms of a gene at corresponding sites on a chromosome pair; the code for phenotype or characteristic manifested in an individual
allergen
an antigen that can initiate an allergic reaction
alopecia
hair loss
amenorrhea
the absence of menstrual periods
amnesia
loss of memory
amniocentesis
removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid from around the fetus for examination and diagnosis
amputation
the removal of a body part
anabolism
the building up or synthesis of complex compounds from simple molecules
anaerobic
metabolism and function without oxygen
analgesic
a substance that relieves pain
anaphalaxis
a life-threatening systemic allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, with respiratory obstruction and decreased blood pressure
anaplasia
undifferentiated primitive cells of variable size and shape, associated with cancer
anasarca
severe generalized edema
anastomosis
a connection between two blood vessels or tubes
androgen
steroid hormone that enhances male characteristics (e.g. testosterone)
anemia
a decrease in circulating hemoglobin and oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood because of decreased RBC production, decreased hemoglobin production, excessive hemolysis, or loss of blood
anencephaly
congenital condition where most of the brain and skull are absent
anesthetic
a substance that reduces sensation, locally or systemically
aneurysm
an outpouching or abnormal dilated area in a blood vessel
angiogenesis
the development of new capillaries
angiography
an examination of blood vessels using radiographs with a contrast medium
angioplasty
repair of a blood vessel
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent general vasoconstrictor and stimulus for aldosterone secretion
anion
a negatively charged ion such as chloride, Cl-
ankylosis
fixation or immobility of a joint
ankylosis
fixation or immobility at a joint
anomaly
an abnormal structure, often congenital
anorexia
loss of appetite
antagonism
opposing action
antibiotic
a substance derived from microorganisms that is used to treat infection
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
increases absorption of water in the renal tubules
antigen
a substance that causes the production of antibodies
antimicrobial
an agent that kills or inhibits growth and reproduction of microorganisms
antineoplastic
a substance or process that destroys neoplastic cells
antioxidant
a substance such as vitamin E that reduces oxygenation and production of damaging “free radicals” during cell metabolism
antiseptic
reduces the number of microorganisms on the skin
anuria
absence of urine production
aphasia
loss of the ability to communicate, speak coherently, or understand speech
apnea
lack of breathing
apoptosis
normal programmed cell death in tissues
arrhythmia
loss of normal heart rate and rhythm; dysrhythmia
arteriosclerosis
hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial wall with narrowing of the lumen
arthroscopy
examination and possible treatment of a joint through insertion of a small instrument
Aschoff Bodies
localized lesions in the heart muscle that may interfere with conduction
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
asepsis
the absence of pathogens
aspiration
inhaling liquid or solid material into the lungs, or withdrawing fluid or tissue from a cavity or organ
asymptomatic
no signs or symptoms
asystole
absence of cardiac contractions; cardiac arrest or standstill
ataxia
impaired coordination, imbalance, staggering gait
atelectasis
collapse and nonaeration of part or all of a lung
atherosclerosis
development of obstruction by cholesterol plaques and thrombus on the walls of large arteries
athetoid
involuntary writhing movement of limbs and body
atopic
inherited tendency to hypersensitivities
atresia
blind end to a tube, loss of the lumen
atrophy
degeneration and wasting of tissue, organs, or muscle due to decrease in cell size
atypical
unusual, not characteristic
aura
a sensation (e.g. visual or auditory), usually preceding a seizure or migraine headache
auscultation
listening for sounds, perhaps with a stethoscope, within the body (e.g. lungs, heart, intestines)
autoantibody
antibodies to self-antigens such as cells or DNA
autoclave
an appliance to sterilize instruments or materials with steam at high temperature and pressure
autodigestion
abnormal destruction of tissues by activated digestive enzymes
autoimmune
the development of antibodies to self-antigens
autoinoculation
the spread of infection (e.g. by fingers) from one site to a second site on the body
autopsy
an examination of part or all of a body, including organs, after death (postmortem) to determine the cause of illness and death
autoregulation
autonomic regulation or reflex control of blood flow in an area depending on the local needs
azotemia
excess urea and other nitrogen wastes in the blood, as in renal failure
bacteremia
bacteria present in the circulating blood
bactericidal
chemical that destroys bacteria
bacteriostatic
substance that reduces the growth of and reproduction of bacteria
baroreceptor
a sensory nerve receptor that is stimulated by a change in pressure, perhaps blood pressure
basal metabolic rate
the amount of energy (measured by oxygen requirements) to maintain essential function in the body at rest
benign
nonthreatening, mild, or nonmalignant
bicurcation
the division of a tube or vessel into two channels or branches
bilirubin
a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, excreted in bile
biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination to determine a diagnosis
bolus
a round mass of food ready to be swallowed; a dose of concentrated drug administered intravenously all at once
borborygmus
the rumbling or gurgling sounds from gas in the intestine
bradycardia
abnormally slow heart rate
bradykinin
a chemical mediator released during inflammation causing vasodilation
Broca’s Area
area of the left frontal lobe of the brain in which the output of words, both written and verbal, is coordinated
bronchoconstriction
contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles
bruit
an abnormal sound heard by auscultation (e.g. blood flow in an aneurysm
cachexia
extreme loss of weight and body wasting associated with serious illness
calcification
deposits of calcium in tissues
calculus
a stone developing in the body (e.g. kidney or bile)
carcinogen
a substance that causes cancer by changing normal cells
cardiomegaly
a heart that is larger than normal size
caries (dental)
destruction of the tooth surface or erosion in the enamel surface of a tooth
carpopedal spasm
a strong muscle contraction of the hand or foot
carrier
a person hosting an infectious pathogen who shows no signs of the disease but could transmit the infection to others
catabolism
the breakdown of complex molecules into simple molecules during metabolism
cataract
an opacity of the lens of the eye
catheter
a small tube inserted into the bladder to remove urine; a tube inserted into a blood vessel or other structure to allow drainage or maintain an opening
cation
a positively charged ion such as sodium, Na+
chemical mediator
a chemical released in the body during an inflammatory response or immune response
chemoreceptor
a sensory nerve receptor stimulated by chemical changes such as pH
chemotaxis
the movement of cells toward or away from an area of the body in response to chemical signals (e.g. phagocytic cells move to an area of tissue injury)
cholestasis
obstructed flow of bile in the liver or biliary tract
chorea
involuntary repeated jerky movements of face and limbs
Chorionic Villus
part of the placenta that can be tested for genetic defects in the fetus
choroid plexus
infoldings of blood vessels blood vessels of the pia mater that secrete cerebrospinal fluid
chromosome
made up of genes, the genetic code of the living cell, consisting of DNA
chronic
a condition with insidious or slow onset, mild but continuous manifestations, and long-lasting, often progressive, effects
chyme
thick, semifluid mixture of partially digested food passing out of the stomach into the duodenum
clonic movements
consisting of rapid, alternating contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle
coagulation
the process of changing a liquid into a solid (e.g. blood forming a thrombus)
cognitive
intellectual abilities, for example memory, thinking, problem solving, judgment, intitiative
cohesion
tendency to stick together or be attracted
colic
sharp severe pain resulting from strong, smooth muscle contraction (e.g. intestinal)
collagen
the common protein making up connective tissue and bone
collagenase
an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibers
colostomy
surgical creation of an artificial opening from the colon onto the abdominal surface
coma
unconscious state; person cannot be aroused
communicable disease
a disease that can be transmitted from an infected person, directly or indirectly, to other susceptible hosts
complement
a series of inactive proteins circulating in the blood; when activated, they can destroy bacteria or antigens or participate in the inflammatory response
compliance
the ability of the lungs to expand and recoil, or the patient’s willingness to follow a prescribed treatment
congenital
present at birth
contamination
the presence of a pathogen on a body, clothing, or inanimate object
contracture
shortening of a muscle or scar tissue causing immobility and deformity of a joint or structure
contraindications
any condition that renders a particular treatment improper or undesirable
contralateral
opposite side of the body
contusion
tissue injury or bruise; bleeding into tissues
corticosteroid
the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, including the glucosteroids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
c-reactive protein (CRP)
appears in the blood with inflammation and necrosis
crepitus
the noise heard when the ends of a broken bone rub together, or when fluid is present in the lung
culture
growth of microorganisms on a specific nutritious medium in a laboratory
cyanosis
bluish color of skin and mucosa that occurs when a large proportion of hemoglobin is unoxygenated
cyst
a closed sac or capsule lined with epithelium, containing fkuild
cytology
the study of cells
cytotoxic
a substance that damages or destroys cells
debridement
surgical removal of dead tissue and foreign material from a wound
decubitus (ulcer)
skin breakdown from prolonged pressure on skin and tissue over a bony prominence leading to compressed blood vessels and ischemia
dehydration
a deficit of water in the body
dementia
a progressive loss of intellectual function, loss of memory, personality change
demyelination
loss of hte myelin sheath from a nerve surface, interfering with conduction
denude
stripping off skin, leaving bare
dermatome
an area of skin innervated by a specific spinal nerve
detoxification
the removal of a toxic or poisonous material and/or neutralization of its effects on a person
dialysis
a procedure to remove wastes and excess fluid or adjust blood to normal values in cases of renal failure
diapedesis
the passage of leukocytes through intact capillary walls to a site of inflammation
diaphoresis
excessive perspiration
differential count
the proportion of each type of leukocyte in a blood sample
differentiation
increased specialization of cells for certain functions
diffusion
the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration
diplopia
double vision
disinfectant
a chemical that may destroy or inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms
disorientation
mental confusion with inadequate or incorrect awareness of time, place, and person
diuresis
excessive amount of urine
dosage
determination of the size, frequency, and number of doses
dose
a quantity to be administered at one time
dyscrasia
abnormality of the blood or bone marrow; abnormal cell characteristics or numbers
dysentery
severe diarrhea, often bloody, with cramps
dyspareunia
pain or discomfort in the pelvis during sexual intercourse
dysphagia
painful or difficult swallowing
dysplasia
disorganized cells that vary in size and shape with large nuclei
dyspnea
difficulty breathing
dysuria
painful urination
ecchymoses
reddish blue discoloration of skin or mucosa because of bleeding
ectopic
away from the normal position, displaced
edema
the accumulation of excess fluid in cells, tissue, or a cavity, resulting in swelling
efferent
moving away from the center; for example, efferent nerve fibers carry motor impulses to muscles
effusion
the accumulation of fluid leaking from a blood vessel into acavity or potential space
electrocardiogram (ECG)
a record of conduction in the heart
embolus
a mass (e.g., blood clot, air, fat, tumor cells) that breaks away into the circulation and obstructs a blood vessel
embryo
the early state of an organism’s life; in humans, the developmental stage between implantation in the uterus and 8 weeks
encephalophathy
impaired function of the brain
endarterectomy
removal of the intima and any obstructive material in an artery
endemic
a disease that is always present in a specific region
endogenous
originating from within the body
endorphins
morphinelike substances produced in the body that block pain stimuli at sites in the brain and spinal cord
endoscope
an illuminated optic instrument that can be inserted into a body cavity, tube, or organ to visualize any changes (bronchoscope, cystoscope, laparoscope)
endospore
a latent form that certain bacteria can assume ander adverse conditions, in order to survive extreme temperatures, drying, or chemicals
endotoxin
a toxin released from the walls of certain gram-negative bacteria after lysis
enteric
related to the intestine
enterotoxin
a toxin from certain bacteria that damages the intestinal mucosa
enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA)
a test to detect certain antibodies
eosinophilia
the formation and accumulation of an abnormally large number of eosinophils in the blood
epidemic
a disease occurring in higher numbers than usual in a certain population within a given period
epistaxis
nose bleed
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
a virus that causes infectious mononucleosis
erythema
redness and inflammation of the skin or mucosa due to vasodilation
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
the rate at which red blood cells settle out of a blood specimen (containing anticoagulant); an elevation in ESR is a general characteristic of inflammation
etiology
cause or origin of a disease or abnormality
euphoria
an exaggerated feeling of well-being or unrealistic elation
eupnea
normal, regular, quiet breathing
exacerbation
an acute episode or increased severity of manifestations
excoriation
an abrasion or injury to the skin
exogenous
originating from outside the body
exteroreceptors
sensory receptors located close to the body surface and are sometimes referred to as cutaneous receptors
exotoxin
toxin excreted by a bacterium (e.g. neurotoxin or enterotoxin)
exudate
a fluid that accumulates and may leak from tissue, for example a serous exudate due to allergy, a purulent exudate, or pus associated with infection
fascia
sheet of fibrous connective tissue separating and supporting muscle
fecalith
a hard mass of feces, often impacted, in the intestine
ferritin
a storage form of iron
fetus
the human child in utero between 8 weeks and birth
fibrinogen
the plasma protein that is formed into solid fibrin strands during the clotting process
fibrinolysis
the breakdown of fibrin
fibrosis
growth of fibrous or scar tissue related to collagen deposits
fimbria
a hairlike projection on some bacteria
fissure
a crack or split in the surface of skin or mucous membrane
fistula
an abnormal tube or passage formed between structures, for example between the esophagus and trachea or between the rectum and skin
flaccidity
lack of tone in muscle; weakness and softness
foramen
an opening in bone or membrane
free radical
a byproduct of cell metabolism that damages cell membranes, proteins and DNA
fulminant
rapid, severe, uncontrollable progress of a disease or infection
ganglion
a collection of nerve cell bodies, usually outside the central nervous system
gangrene
necrotic tissue infected by bacteria
gene
a unit of DNA in a particular location on a specific chromosome
genetic
inherited
genetic
inherited
genotype
the genetic makeup of a cell or individual
gestation
the time between conception and birth
gingivitis
inflammation of the guns in the mouth
globulin
a group of proteins in the blood
glucocorticoid
the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, for example cortisol, that increase blood glucose levels and act to decrease inflammation and allergic reactions
gluconeogenesis
the production of glucose from protein or fat
glucosuria
glucose in the urine
glycemic index
the rate at which an ingested carbohydrate elevates blood glucose levels
glycogen
a polysaccharide, made up of glucose molecules, stored in skeletal muscle or the liver
glycoprotein
a combination of protein and carbohydrate
gram stain
a stain for bacteria that differentiates the cell walls of gram-positive bacteria from that of gram-negative bacteria; used for identification and choice of drug treatment
granulation tissue
newly developed fragile tissue, consisting of fibroblasts and blood vessels, formed during healing
granuloma
a nodular destructive mass associated with some chronic inflammation of infection
gynecomastia
abnormal breast enlargement in men
hallucination
a sensory perception (e.g. visual or auditory) that is not real but results from nervous system excitation
hemarthrosis
bleeding into a joint cavity
hematemesis
vomiting blood; may be called “coffee-grounds” vomitus because it appears brown and granular
hematocrit
percentage of erythrocytes in a blood sample
hematoma
a blood clot formed after bleeding into a tissue or organ
hematuria
blood in the urine; may be microscopic (small amount) or gross (large amount, darkening the color)
hemiparesis
weakness on one side of the body
hemiplegia
paralysis on one side of the body
hemolysis
destruction of erythrocytes with release of hemoglobin
hemoptysis
frothy sputum containing streaks of blood, usually bright red; spitting up blood
hemostasis
blood clotting or controlling bleeding
heparin
a substance present in the body to prevent blood clotting
hepatomegaly
enlarged liver
hepatotoxin
a substance that damages the liver
Hering-Breuer Reflex
a reflex that prevents excessive lung expansion
heterozygous
having two different alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair
hirsutism
excessive body hair in a male pattern
histamine
a chemical released from mast cells and basophils during immune reactions; causes vasodilation and bronchoconstriction
holistic
an approach to health care that includes the phyisical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient
homeostasis
a relatively stable or constant environment in the body, including blood pressure, temperature, and pH, maintained by the various control mechanisms
homozygous
having two identical alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair
hypercapnia
increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood
hyperemia
increased blood flow in an area, resulting in a warm, red area
hyperkalemia
abnormally high level of potassium ions K+ in the blood
hyperplasia
an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in an increased tissue mass
hyperreflexia
excessive reflex responses
hypertension
a persistent elevation of blood pressure
hypertonic
a solution with a greater concentration of solutes or higher osmotic pressure that that inside the cells present in the solution
hypertrophy
increased size of an organ or muscle due to increased size of individual cells
hyperuricemia
excessive uric acid in the blood
hyphae
filamentous or threadlike outgrowths produced by some fungi and bacteria
hypoalbuminemia
abnormally low serum albumin levels
hypoproteinemia
abnormally low level of plasma protein in the blood
hypotension
low blood pressure and decreased tissue perfusion
hypovolemia
decreased blood volume
hypoxemia
insufficient oxygen in the aterial blood
hypoxia
a decreased or insufficient level of oxygen in the tissues
iatrogenic
caused by a treatment, procedure, or error
ictal
related to a seizure (postictal - after a seizure)
icterus
jaundice
idiosyncrasy
an unusual reaction by an individual to a normally harmless substance
idiopathic
no known cause
immunocompetent
a person who can produce a normal immune response
immunodeficiency
reduced ability of the immune system to produce an immune response to defend the body
immunoglobulin
a protein with antibody activity
incidence
the number of new cases of a disease in a certain population within a given period
incontinence
lacking voluntary control over urination or defecation
incubation period
the time between the initial exposure to the infectious agent and the appearance of the first signs of infection
infarct
an area of dead tissue caused by lack of blood supply
inflammation
the response to tissue damage, indicated by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain
insidious
a disease whose onset is marked only by vague or mild general signs
in situ
cell growth and reproduction, such as cancer, remaining at the original site, not invasive or spreading
interferons
a group of antiviral glycoproteins produced by viral-infected cells
interleukin
protein (cytokine) primarily produced by T cells, active in the inflammatory and immune responses and leukocyte communication
intraarticular
into the joint cavity or joint space
intractable
resistant to treatment (e.g. pain that cannot be relieved by drugs)
ipsilateral
same side of the body
ischemia
decreased blood supply to an organ or tissue
isoenzymes
cell enzymes specific to certain organs that differ slightly in structure but have similar functions
jaundice
yellow color of the sclera of the eye and skin due to excessive bilirubin in the body fluids for any reason
karyotype
a visual demonstration of the pairs of cell chromosomes arranged in order of size
keloid
abnormal healing causes overgrowth of collagen and mass of fibrous tissue
ketone or ketoacid
chemical byproduct of lipid metabolism
kyphosis
increased convex curvature of the spine in the thoracic region “hunchback”
labile
unstable, changing
laryngospasm
closure of the larynx, obstructing the airway
latent
present but hidden and inactive
lesion
an abnormality in the structure of a tissue or organ
leukocytosis
an above-normal number of leukocytes (WBCs) in the blood
leukopenia
a decreased number of leukocytes in the blood
lichenification
hardening and thickening of the skin; leatherlike
lithiasis
presence or formation of stones or calculi (e.g. cholelithiasis - gallstones)
lordosis
exaggerated concave curve of the lumbar region of the spine
