Pathophysiology Glossary Flashcards
(313 cards)
1
Q
abscess
A
a localized pocket of purulent exudate surrounded by imflammation
2
Q
accomodation
A
the lens of the eye adjusts its shape for distance
3
Q
achlorhydria
A
a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions
4
Q
acidosis
A
an increased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of less than 7.4
5
Q
adenocarcinoma
A
malignant tumor arising from glandular epithelial cells
6
Q
adenoma
A
benign tumor made up of glandular epithelial cells
7
Q
adhesion
A
a band of fibrous scar tissue forming an abnormal connection between two surfaces or structures
8
Q
adrenergic
A
related to the sympathetic nervous system transmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine
9
Q
afferent
A
toward the center; for example, afferent nerves carry impulses toward the central nervous system
10
Q
agenesis
A
lack of an organ or structure because of a developmental error
11
Q
agglutination
A
clumping together of cells or particles
12
Q
AIDS
A
a chronic infectious disease caused by HIV, which destroys helper t-lymphocytes. causing a loss of immune response
13
Q
albumin
A
a plasma protein responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure of the blood
14
Q
aldosterone
A
a mineralocorticoid hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the renal tubules
15
Q
alkalosis
A
a decreased number of hydrogen ions; a blood pH of greater than 7.4
16
Q
allele
A
one of two forms of a gene at corresponding sites on a chromosome pair; the code for phenotype or characteristic manifested in an individual
17
Q
allergen
A
an antigen that can initiate an allergic reaction
18
Q
alopecia
A
hair loss
19
Q
amenorrhea
A
the absence of menstrual periods
20
Q
amnesia
A
loss of memory
21
Q
amniocentesis
A
removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid from around the fetus for examination and diagnosis
22
Q
amputation
A
the removal of a body part
23
Q
anabolism
A
the building up or synthesis of complex compounds from simple molecules
24
Q
anaerobic
A
metabolism and function without oxygen
25
analgesic
a substance that relieves pain
26
anaphalaxis
a life-threatening systemic allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, with respiratory obstruction and decreased blood pressure
27
anaplasia
undifferentiated primitive cells of variable size and shape, associated with cancer
28
anasarca
severe generalized edema
29
anastomosis
a connection between two blood vessels or tubes
30
androgen
steroid hormone that enhances male characteristics (e.g. testosterone)
31
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
32
anencephaly
congenital condition where most of the brain and skull are absent
33
anesthetic
a substance that reduces sensation, locally or systemically
34
aneurysm
an outpouching or abnormal dilated area in a blood vessel
35
angiogenesis
the development of new capillaries
36
angiography
an examination of blood vessels using radiographs with a contrast medium
37
angioplasty
repair of a blood vessel
38
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent general vasoconstrictor and stimulus for aldosterone secretion
39
anion
a negatively charged ion such as chloride, Cl-
40
ankylosis
fixation or immobility of a joint
41
ankylosis
fixation or immobility at a joint
42
anomaly
an abnormal structure, often congenital
43
anorexia
loss of appetite
44
antagonism
opposing action
45
antibiotic
a substance derived from microorganisms that is used to treat infection
46
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
increases absorption of water in the renal tubules
47
antigen
a substance that causes the production of antibodies
48
antimicrobial
an agent that kills or inhibits growth and reproduction of microorganisms
49
antineoplastic
a substance or process that destroys neoplastic cells
50
antioxidant
a substance such as vitamin E that reduces oxygenation and production of damaging "free radicals" during cell metabolism
51
antiseptic
reduces the number of microorganisms on the skin
52
anuria
absence of urine production
53
aphasia
loss of the ability to communicate, speak coherently, or understand speech
54
apnea
lack of breathing
55
apoptosis
normal programmed cell death in tissues
56
arrhythmia
loss of normal heart rate and rhythm; dysrhythmia
57
arteriosclerosis
hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial wall with narrowing of the lumen
58
arthroscopy
examination and possible treatment of a joint through insertion of a small instrument
59
Aschoff Bodies
localized lesions in the heart muscle that may interfere with conduction
60
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
61
asepsis
the absence of pathogens
62
aspiration
inhaling liquid or solid material into the lungs, or withdrawing fluid or tissue from a cavity or organ
63
asymptomatic
no signs or symptoms
64
asystole
absence of cardiac contractions; cardiac arrest or standstill
65
ataxia
impaired coordination, imbalance, staggering gait
66
atelectasis
collapse and nonaeration of part or all of a lung
67
atherosclerosis
development of obstruction by cholesterol plaques and thrombus on the walls of large arteries
68
athetoid
involuntary writhing movement of limbs and body
69
atopic
inherited tendency to hypersensitivities
70
atresia
blind end to a tube, loss of the lumen
71
atrophy
degeneration and wasting of tissue, organs, or muscle due to decrease in cell size
72
atypical
unusual, not characteristic
73
aura
a sensation (e.g. visual or auditory), usually preceding a seizure or migraine headache
74
auscultation
listening for sounds, perhaps with a stethoscope, within the body (e.g. lungs, heart, intestines)
75
autoantibody
antibodies to self-antigens such as cells or DNA
76
autoclave
an appliance to sterilize instruments or materials with steam at high temperature and pressure
77
autodigestion
abnormal destruction of tissues by activated digestive enzymes
78
autoimmune
the development of antibodies to self-antigens
79
autoinoculation
the spread of infection (e.g. by fingers) from one site to a second site on the body
80
autopsy
an examination of part or all of a body, including organs, after death (postmortem) to determine the cause of illness and death
81
autoregulation
autonomic regulation or reflex control of blood flow in an area depending on the local needs
82
azotemia
excess urea and other nitrogen wastes in the blood, as in renal failure
83
bacteremia
bacteria present in the circulating blood
84
bactericidal
chemical that destroys bacteria
85
bacteriostatic
substance that reduces the growth of and reproduction of bacteria
86
baroreceptor
a sensory nerve receptor that is stimulated by a change in pressure, perhaps blood pressure
87
basal metabolic rate
the amount of energy (measured by oxygen requirements) to maintain essential function in the body at rest
88
benign
nonthreatening, mild, or nonmalignant
89
bicurcation
the division of a tube or vessel into two channels or branches
90
bilirubin
a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, excreted in bile
91
biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination to determine a diagnosis
92
bolus
a round mass of food ready to be swallowed; a dose of concentrated drug administered intravenously all at once
93
borborygmus
the rumbling or gurgling sounds from gas in the intestine
94
bradycardia
abnormally slow heart rate
95
bradykinin
a chemical mediator released during inflammation causing vasodilation
96
Broca's Area
area of the left frontal lobe of the brain in which the output of words, both written and verbal, is coordinated
97
bronchoconstriction
contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles
98
bruit
an abnormal sound heard by auscultation (e.g. blood flow in an aneurysm
99
cachexia
extreme loss of weight and body wasting associated with serious illness
100
calcification
deposits of calcium in tissues
101
calculus
a stone developing in the body (e.g. kidney or bile)
102
carcinogen
a substance that causes cancer by changing normal cells
103
cardiomegaly
a heart that is larger than normal size
104
caries (dental)
destruction of the tooth surface or erosion in the enamel surface of a tooth
105
carpopedal spasm
a strong muscle contraction of the hand or foot
106
carrier
a person hosting an infectious pathogen who shows no signs of the disease but could transmit the infection to others
107
catabolism
the breakdown of complex molecules into simple molecules during metabolism
108
cataract
an opacity of the lens of the eye
109
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
110
cation
a positively charged ion such as sodium, Na+
111
chemical mediator
a chemical released in the body during an inflammatory response or immune response
112
chemoreceptor
a sensory nerve receptor stimulated by chemical changes such as pH
113
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)
114
cholestasis
obstructed flow of bile in the liver or biliary tract
115
chorea
involuntary repeated jerky movements of face and limbs
116
Chorionic Villus
part of the placenta that can be tested for genetic defects in the fetus
117
choroid plexus
infoldings of blood vessels blood vessels of the pia mater that secrete cerebrospinal fluid
118
chromosome
made up of genes, the genetic code of the living cell, consisting of DNA
119
chronic
a condition with insidious or slow onset, mild but continuous manifestations, and long-lasting, often progressive, effects
120
chyme
thick, semifluid mixture of partially digested food passing out of the stomach into the duodenum
121
clonic movements
consisting of rapid, alternating contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle
122
coagulation
the process of changing a liquid into a solid (e.g. blood forming a thrombus)
123
cognitive
intellectual abilities, for example memory, thinking, problem solving, judgment, intitiative
124
cohesion
tendency to stick together or be attracted
125
colic
sharp severe pain resulting from strong, smooth muscle contraction (e.g. intestinal)
126
collagen
the common protein making up connective tissue and bone
127
collagenase
an enzyme that breaks down collagen fibers
128
colostomy
surgical creation of an artificial opening from the colon onto the abdominal surface
129
coma
unconscious state; person cannot be aroused
130
communicable disease
a disease that can be transmitted from an infected person, directly or indirectly, to other susceptible hosts
131
complement
a series of inactive proteins circulating in the blood; when activated, they can destroy bacteria or antigens or participate in the inflammatory response
132
compliance
the ability of the lungs to expand and recoil, or the patient's willingness to follow a prescribed treatment
133
congenital
present at birth
134
contamination
the presence of a pathogen on a body, clothing, or inanimate object
135
contracture
shortening of a muscle or scar tissue causing immobility and deformity of a joint or structure
136
contraindications
any condition that renders a particular treatment improper or undesirable
137
contralateral
opposite side of the body
138
contusion
tissue injury or bruise; bleeding into tissues
139
corticosteroid
the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, including the glucosteroids (cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone)
140
c-reactive protein (CRP)
appears in the blood with inflammation and necrosis
141
crepitus
the noise heard when the ends of a broken bone rub together, or when fluid is present in the lung
142
culture
growth of microorganisms on a specific nutritious medium in a laboratory
143
cyanosis
bluish color of skin and mucosa that occurs when a large proportion of hemoglobin is unoxygenated
144
cyst
a closed sac or capsule lined with epithelium, containing fkuild
145
cytology
the study of cells
146
cytotoxic
a substance that damages or destroys cells
147
debridement
surgical removal of dead tissue and foreign material from a wound
148
decubitus (ulcer)
skin breakdown from prolonged pressure on skin and tissue over a bony prominence leading to compressed blood vessels and ischemia
149
dehydration
a deficit of water in the body
150
dementia
a progressive loss of intellectual function, loss of memory, personality change
151
demyelination
loss of hte myelin sheath from a nerve surface, interfering with conduction
152
denude
stripping off skin, leaving bare
153
dermatome
an area of skin innervated by a specific spinal nerve
154
detoxification
the removal of a toxic or poisonous material and/or neutralization of its effects on a person
155
dialysis
a procedure to remove wastes and excess fluid or adjust blood to normal values in cases of renal failure
156
diapedesis
the passage of leukocytes through intact capillary walls to a site of inflammation
157
diaphoresis
excessive perspiration
158
differential count
the proportion of each type of leukocyte in a blood sample
159
differentiation
increased specialization of cells for certain functions
160
diffusion
the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration
161
diplopia
double vision
162
disinfectant
a chemical that may destroy or inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms
163
disorientation
mental confusion with inadequate or incorrect awareness of time, place, and person
164
diuresis
excessive amount of urine
165
dosage
determination of the size, frequency, and number of doses
166
dose
a quantity to be administered at one time
167
dyscrasia
abnormality of the blood or bone marrow; abnormal cell characteristics or numbers
168
dysentery
severe diarrhea, often bloody, with cramps
169
dyspareunia
pain or discomfort in the pelvis during sexual intercourse
170
dysphagia
painful or difficult swallowing
171
dysplasia
disorganized cells that vary in size and shape with large nuclei
172
dyspnea
difficulty breathing
173
dysuria
painful urination
174
ecchymoses
reddish blue discoloration of skin or mucosa because of bleeding
175
ectopic
away from the normal position, displaced
176
edema
the accumulation of excess fluid in cells, tissue, or a cavity, resulting in swelling
177
efferent
moving away from the center; for example, efferent nerve fibers carry motor impulses to muscles
178
effusion
the accumulation of fluid leaking from a blood vessel into acavity or potential space
179
electrocardiogram (ECG)
a record of conduction in the heart
180
embolus
a mass (e.g., blood clot, air, fat, tumor cells) that breaks away into the circulation and obstructs a blood vessel
181
embryo
the early state of an organism's life; in humans, the developmental stage between implantation in the uterus and 8 weeks
182
encephalophathy
impaired function of the brain
183
endarterectomy
removal of the intima and any obstructive material in an artery
184
endemic
a disease that is always present in a specific region
185
endogenous
originating from within the body
186
endorphins
morphinelike substances produced in the body that block pain stimuli at sites in the brain and spinal cord
187
endoscope
an illuminated optic instrument that can be inserted into a body cavity, tube, or organ to visualize any changes (bronchoscope, cystoscope, laparoscope)
188
endospore
a latent form that certain bacteria can assume ander adverse conditions, in order to survive extreme temperatures, drying, or chemicals
189
endotoxin
a toxin released from the walls of certain gram-negative bacteria after lysis
190
enteric
related to the intestine
191
enterotoxin
a toxin from certain bacteria that damages the intestinal mucosa
192
enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA)
a test to detect certain antibodies
193
eosinophilia
the formation and accumulation of an abnormally large number of eosinophils in the blood
194
epidemic
a disease occurring in higher numbers than usual in a certain population within a given period
195
epistaxis
nose bleed
196
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
a virus that causes infectious mononucleosis
197
erythema
redness and inflammation of the skin or mucosa due to vasodilation
198
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
199
etiology
cause or origin of a disease or abnormality
200
euphoria
an exaggerated feeling of well-being or unrealistic elation
201
eupnea
normal, regular, quiet breathing
202
exacerbation
an acute episode or increased severity of manifestations
203
excoriation
an abrasion or injury to the skin
204
exogenous
originating from outside the body
205
exteroreceptors
sensory receptors located close to the body surface and are sometimes referred to as cutaneous receptors
206
exotoxin
toxin excreted by a bacterium (e.g. neurotoxin or enterotoxin)
207
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
208
fascia
sheet of fibrous connective tissue separating and supporting muscle
209
fecalith
a hard mass of feces, often impacted, in the intestine
210
ferritin
a storage form of iron
211
fetus
the human child in utero between 8 weeks and birth
212
fibrinogen
the plasma protein that is formed into solid fibrin strands during the clotting process
213
fibrinolysis
the breakdown of fibrin
214
fibrosis
growth of fibrous or scar tissue related to collagen deposits
215
fimbria
a hairlike projection on some bacteria
216
fissure
a crack or split in the surface of skin or mucous membrane
217
fistula
an abnormal tube or passage formed between structures, for example between the esophagus and trachea or between the rectum and skin
218
flaccidity
lack of tone in muscle; weakness and softness
219
foramen
an opening in bone or membrane
220
free radical
a byproduct of cell metabolism that damages cell membranes, proteins and DNA
221
fulminant
rapid, severe, uncontrollable progress of a disease or infection
222
ganglion
a collection of nerve cell bodies, usually outside the central nervous system
223
gangrene
necrotic tissue infected by bacteria
224
gene
a unit of DNA in a particular location on a specific chromosome
225
genetic
inherited
226
genetic
inherited
227
genotype
the genetic makeup of a cell or individual
228
gestation
the time between conception and birth
229
gingivitis
inflammation of the guns in the mouth
230
globulin
a group of proteins in the blood
231
glucocorticoid
the steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, for example cortisol, that increase blood glucose levels and act to decrease inflammation and allergic reactions
232
gluconeogenesis
the production of glucose from protein or fat
233
glucosuria
glucose in the urine
234
glycemic index
the rate at which an ingested carbohydrate elevates blood glucose levels
235
glycogen
a polysaccharide, made up of glucose molecules, stored in skeletal muscle or the liver
236
glycoprotein
a combination of protein and carbohydrate
237
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
238
granulation tissue
newly developed fragile tissue, consisting of fibroblasts and blood vessels, formed during healing
239
granuloma
a nodular destructive mass associated with some chronic inflammation of infection
240
gynecomastia
abnormal breast enlargement in men
241
hallucination
a sensory perception (e.g. visual or auditory) that is not real but results from nervous system excitation
242
hemarthrosis
bleeding into a joint cavity
243
hematemesis
vomiting blood; may be called "coffee-grounds" vomitus because it appears brown and granular
244
hematocrit
percentage of erythrocytes in a blood sample
245
hematoma
a blood clot formed after bleeding into a tissue or organ
246
hematuria
blood in the urine; may be microscopic (small amount) or gross (large amount, darkening the color)
247
hemiparesis
weakness on one side of the body
248
hemiplegia
paralysis on one side of the body
249
hemolysis
destruction of erythrocytes with release of hemoglobin
250
hemoptysis
frothy sputum containing streaks of blood, usually bright red; spitting up blood
251
hemostasis
blood clotting or controlling bleeding
252
heparin
a substance present in the body to prevent blood clotting
253
hepatomegaly
enlarged liver
254
hepatotoxin
a substance that damages the liver
255
Hering-Breuer Reflex
a reflex that prevents excessive lung expansion
256
heterozygous
having two different alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair
257
hirsutism
excessive body hair in a male pattern
258
histamine
a chemical released from mast cells and basophils during immune reactions; causes vasodilation and bronchoconstriction
259
holistic
an approach to health care that includes the phyisical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient
260
homeostasis
a relatively stable or constant environment in the body, including blood pressure, temperature, and pH, maintained by the various control mechanisms
261
homozygous
having two identical alleles at corresponding points on a chromosome pair
262
hypercapnia
increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood
263
hyperemia
increased blood flow in an area, resulting in a warm, red area
264
hyperkalemia
abnormally high level of potassium ions K+ in the blood
265
hyperplasia
an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in an increased tissue mass
266
hyperreflexia
excessive reflex responses
267
hypertension
a persistent elevation of blood pressure
268
hypertonic
a solution with a greater concentration of solutes or higher osmotic pressure that that inside the cells present in the solution
269
hypertrophy
increased size of an organ or muscle due to increased size of individual cells
270
hyperuricemia
excessive uric acid in the blood
271
hyphae
filamentous or threadlike outgrowths produced by some fungi and bacteria
272
hypoalbuminemia
abnormally low serum albumin levels
273
hypoproteinemia
abnormally low level of plasma protein in the blood
274
hypotension
low blood pressure and decreased tissue perfusion
275
hypovolemia
decreased blood volume
276
hypoxemia
insufficient oxygen in the aterial blood
277
hypoxia
a decreased or insufficient level of oxygen in the tissues
278
iatrogenic
caused by a treatment, procedure, or error
279
ictal
related to a seizure (postictal - after a seizure)
280
icterus
jaundice
281
idiosyncrasy
an unusual reaction by an individual to a normally harmless substance
282
idiopathic
no known cause
283
immunocompetent
a person who can produce a normal immune response
284
immunodeficiency
reduced ability of the immune system to produce an immune response to defend the body
285
immunoglobulin
a protein with antibody activity
286
incidence
the number of new cases of a disease in a certain population within a given period
287
incontinence
lacking voluntary control over urination or defecation
288
incubation period
the time between the initial exposure to the infectious agent and the appearance of the first signs of infection
289
infarct
an area of dead tissue caused by lack of blood supply
290
inflammation
the response to tissue damage, indicated by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain
291
insidious
a disease whose onset is marked only by vague or mild general signs
292
in situ
cell growth and reproduction, such as cancer, remaining at the original site, not invasive or spreading
293
interferons
a group of antiviral glycoproteins produced by viral-infected cells
294
interleukin
protein (cytokine) primarily produced by T cells, active in the inflammatory and immune responses and leukocyte communication
295
intraarticular
into the joint cavity or joint space
296
intractable
resistant to treatment (e.g. pain that cannot be relieved by drugs)
297
ipsilateral
same side of the body
298
ischemia
decreased blood supply to an organ or tissue
299
isoenzymes
cell enzymes specific to certain organs that differ slightly in structure but have similar functions
300
jaundice
yellow color of the sclera of the eye and skin due to excessive bilirubin in the body fluids for any reason
301
karyotype
a visual demonstration of the pairs of cell chromosomes arranged in order of size
302
keloid
abnormal healing causes overgrowth of collagen and mass of fibrous tissue
303
ketone or ketoacid
chemical byproduct of lipid metabolism
304
kyphosis
increased convex curvature of the spine in the thoracic region "hunchback"
305
labile
unstable, changing
306
laryngospasm
closure of the larynx, obstructing the airway
307
latent
present but hidden and inactive
308
lesion
an abnormality in the structure of a tissue or organ
309
leukocytosis
an above-normal number of leukocytes (WBCs) in the blood
310
leukopenia
a decreased number of leukocytes in the blood
311
lichenification
hardening and thickening of the skin; leatherlike
312
lithiasis
presence or formation of stones or calculi (e.g. cholelithiasis - gallstones)
313
lordosis
exaggerated concave curve of the lumbar region of the spine
