T1: Introduction Cards

Question 1

Define the term epidemiology.

Answer 1

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and the determinants of health-related states across a population.

Question 2

Define the term aetiology.

Answer 2

The cause, or sets of causes, of a disease or condition.

Question 3

Define the term pathogenesis.

Answer 3

The development of a disease and the chain of events leading to that disease.

Question 4

Define the term sequelae.

Answer 4

A pathological condition resulting from a disease, injury, therapy, or other trauma i.e. the consequences of a disease.

Question 5

Define the term prognosis.

Answer 5

The likely course of a disease or condition.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the following prefixes:

(a) Ana-
(b) Dys-
(c) Hyper-
(d) Hypo-
(e) Meta-

Answer 6

(a) Absence e.g. Anaplasia
(b) Disorderd e.g. Dysplasia
(c) Excess over normal levels e.g. Hyperthryoidism
(d) Deficiency below normal levels e.g. Hypothyroidism
(e) A change from one state to another e.g. Metaplasia

Question 7

What is the meaning of the following suffixes:

(a) -itis
(b) -oma
(c) -osis
(d) -oid
(e) -penia
(f) -cytosis
(g) -ectasis
(h) -plasia
(i) -opathy

Answer 7

(a) Inflammation e.g. Appendicitis
(b) Tumor e.g. Carcinoma (skin)
(c) State or condition e.g. Osteoarthrosis (“osteoarthritis” means inflammation of the joint, while “osteoarthrosis” means degeneration of the joint.)
(d) Bearing a resemblance to e.g. Rheumatoid disease
(e) Lack of e.g. Thrombocytopenia
(f) Increased number of cells e.g. Erythrocytosis
(g) Dilation e.g. Bronchiectasis
(h) Disorder of growth e.g. Hyperplasia
(i) Abnormal state lacking specific characteristics e.g. Lymphadenopathy