3.1.1: Causes of Disease Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is any microorganism which causes disease.
What is a microorganism?
A single-celled organism that is too small to be seen without a microscope.
What is disease?
Disease is a malfunction of the physical or mental state of a person. Associated with symptoms.
For a microorganism to be considered a pathogen, it must…?
Resist the defences of the host and cause damage to host tissues.
Give examples of pathogens.
Bacteria, viruses and fungi.
What happens when the pathogen gains entry into the host?
Pathogen causes an infection resulting into a disease as the infection leads to recognisable symptoms.
When a pathogen is transferred from one individual to another, it is known as…?
Transmission.
How can a pathogen get into the body?
By penetrating the skin or through cuts.
Through the gas exchange system.
Through the digestive system via food and water.
What are the natural defences of the body preventing pathogens from entering?
Mucous layer covering exchange surfaces forming a sticky barrier difficult to penetrate.
Production of enzymes which break down pathogens.
Production of stomach acid killing pathogens.
How do pathogens cause disease?
By damaging host tissues- preventing them from functioning properly.
Production of toxins.
What is epidemiology?
Study of incidence and pattern of a disease in order to find a way of controlling and preventing it.
When does correlation occur?
When a change in one of two variables is reflected by a change in the other variable.
Correlation does not mean causation.
What is risk?
A measure of the probability that damage of health will occur as a result of a given hazard.
What are examples of carcinogenic factors?
Smoking Diet Obesity Physical activity Sunlight
What are factors which can cause coronary heart disease?
Smoking High blood pressure Blood cholesterol levels Obesity Diet Lack of physical activity
How can the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer be reduced?
Not smoking Avoiding becoming overweight Reducing salt intake Reducing intake of cholesterol and saturated fats in diet Taking regular aerobic exercise
