Basic Terminology

Question 1

microscopic

Answer 1

changes on a cellular level

Question 2

biopsy/autopsy

Answer 2

examine tissue specimens

Question 3

diagnosis

Answer 3

identification of specific disease through evaluation of signs and symptoms (confirmation)

Question 4

etiology

Answer 4

causative factors in disease

Question 5

idiopathic

Answer 5

cause of disease is unknown

Question 6

iatrogenic

Answer 6

treatment, procedure, or error causes disease

Question 7

predisposing factors

Answer 7

tendencies that promote development of disease (high risk)

Question 8

prophylaxis

Answer 8

measure designed to preserve health and prevent spread of disease (daily substance for a high risk individual)

Question 9

prevention

Answer 9

linked to etiology and predisposing factors

vaccines, dietary changes,, toxin removal etc.

Question 10

pathogenesis

Answer 10

development of the disease

Question 11

onset

Answer 11

sudden and acute vs. insidious (gradual progression with vague si

Question 12

subclinical state

Answer 12

pathologic change occurs, but no obvious manifestations

Question 13

latent stage

Answer 13

no clinical signs are evident (incubation period) –> tine between exposure and onset of S&S

Question 14

prodromal period

Answer 14

time in early development (aware of change, but signs are non specific)

Question 15

manifestations

Answer 15

clinical evidence (signs and symptoms)

local or systemic

Question 16

signs/symptoms

Answer 16

signs = objective
symptoms = subjective

Question 17

lesion

Answer 17

specific local change in tissue

Question 18

syndrome

Answer 18

collection of signs and symptoms (often affecting more than one organ) that occur together in response to a certain condition

Question 19

remissions/exacerbations

Answer 19

may mark the course or progress of disease

remission = period where manifestations subside

exacerbation = worsening in severity of disease or s/s

Question 20

precipitating factors

Answer 20

condition that triggers acute episode

Question 21

complications

Answer 21

secondary problems that arise after original disease begins

Question 22

sequelae

Answer 22

potential unwanted outcomes of primary conditions

Question 23

convalescence/rehabilitation

Answer 23

period of recovery and return to normal healthy state

Question 24

prognosis

Answer 24

defines probability or likelihood for recovery or other outcomes

Question 25

morbidity

Answer 25

disease rates within a group (indicates functional impairments that certain conditions cause)

Question 26

mortality

Answer 26

number of deaths resulting from particular disease

Question 27

autopsy/post-mortem exam

Answer 27

after death - determine exact cause of death or determine course of illness and effectiveness of treatment

Question 28

epidemiology

Answer 28

science of tracking the pattern or occurance of disease

Question 29

occurence

Answer 29

prevalence and incidence

Question 30

epidemics

Answer 30

occur when there are higher than expected number of cases of an infectious disease within a given area (pandemic = many regions of globe)

Question 31

communicable disease

Answer 31

diseases that are infections and can be spread

Question 32

notifiable diseases

Answer 32

reportable --> must be reported by physician to certain designated authorities