Vocabulary Flashcards
Define lesion.
The structural abnormality which is the result of ill health, e.g rash, growth on skin.
Define syndrome.
A disease characterised by multiple abnormalities, e.g Down syndrome.
Define congenital.
Abnormality present at birth.
Define pain.
Nerve ending stimulation by mechanical, thermal or chemical agents.
Define swelling.
Increase cell number or size, or accumulation of fluid.
Define fever.
Interleukin-1 release by leukocytes.
Define bleeding.
Rupture of vessel, coagulation defect.
Define cough.
Irritation of respiratory mucosa which is the result of stimulation of vagal nerve.
Define vomiting.
Stimulation of vomiting centre in medulla due to vagal impulses.
Define itching.
Mass cell degranulation and release of histamine.
Define Diarrhoea.
Malabsorption of food results in osmotic retention of water in stool.
What causes shortness of breath?
Increased blood CO2 or decreased blood O2 concentration.
Define prevalence rate.
The percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time.
Define incidence rate.
The probability of occurrence of a disease in a population within a specified period of time.
Define mortality.
The number of deaths.
