Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunity, Inflammation, and Pathology Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from lecture notes covering genetics, immune function, inflammatory processes, burn classifications, SLE, and HIV/AIDS.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

An autoimmune disorder causing chronic damage to vital organs, tissues, and joints, characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission.

Apoptosis

A built-in cellular suicide program or controlled programmed cell death.

Congenital Anomalies

Disorders that are present at birth, including inherited genetic conditions and developmental disorders.

Teratogenic Agents

Environmental agents or factors that cause developmental malformations or defects in an embryo or fetus.

Monosomy

A chromosomal defect characterized by the loss or absence of a single chromosome from a matching pair.

Trisomy

A chromosomal condition characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome in a pair.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

An inheritance pattern requiring both parents to pass on a mutant gene, resulting in a $25\%$ chance of an affected child, a $50\%$ chance of a carrier child, and a $25\%$ chance of an unaffected non-carrier child.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

An inheritance pattern where a single mutant gene copy from one affected parent causes the disorder, carrying a $50\%$ chance of passing it to each child.

X-Linked Recessive Inheritance

An inheritance pattern linked to the X chromosome that primarily affects males, while females with one mutant allele are usually asymptomatic carriers.

DNA, Gene, and Chromosome Relationship

Double-stranded DNA molecules contain specific functional segments called genes, which are further condensed and packaged into chromosomes.

Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity

Innate immunity provides immediate, non-specific defenses via physical barriers and bloodbourne phagocytes, whereas adaptive immunity provides targeted responses via T-cell (cell-mediated) and B-cell (humoral) memory pathways.

First Line of Defense

A non-specific bodily barrier consisting of unbroken skin, mucous membranes, and body secretions such as tears and gastric juices.

Second Line of Defense

A non-specific internal protection mechanism involving phagocytosis and the inflammatory response.

Third Line of Defense

A specific body defense mechanism involving the production of specialized antibodies or cell-mediated immunity.

Histamine

A chemical mediator stored in mast cell granules that causes immediate vasodilation and increased capillary permeability during acute inflammation.

Bradykinin

A chemical mediator released from injured cells that activates pain receptors, dilates capillaries, and increases vascular permeability.

Serous Exudate

A watery inflammatory exudate consisting mainly of fluid, small amounts of protein, and white blood cells.

Purulent Exudate

A thick, yellow-green inflammatory fluid containing abundant white blood cells, cell debris, and microorganisms.

Pyrexia (Fever) Course

A systemic response triggered by pyrogen release that resets the hypothalamic set-point high, inducing shivering and vasoconstriction until the new temperature is reached.

Leukocytosis

An increased number of circulating white blood cells in the blood, often exceeding $10,000/\text{mm}^3$, commonly seen during acute inflammation.

Granulation Tissue

Highly vascular, pink, fragile tissue containing new capillaries and fibroblasts formed during wound healing.

Keloid

A hypertrophic scar resulting from excessive collagen deposits that form hard, raised ridges beyond the original injury boundaries.

Rule of Nines

A standardized assessment tool that divides body surface area (BSA) into sections of $9\%$ (or multiples of 9%) to estimate burn extent.

Burn Depth Classification

System categorizing burns into superficial (epidermis only), partial-thickness (epidermis and partial dermis with blister formation), and full-thickness (destruction of all skin layers and underlying tissue).

ELISA Test

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; the primary initial screening laboratory test used to detect antibodies to HIV in blood.

Western Blot Test

A secondary laboratory test used to confirm the presence of specific HIV antibodies following a positive initial ELISA screening result.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

An opportunistic, AIDS-related malignant skin condition causing purplish-brown, raised skin and mucous membrane lesions.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

A serious, opportunistic respiratory fungal infection that represents a leading cause of mortality in patients with AIDS.

Lupus Nephritis

Renal tissue inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus indicated clinically by elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and proteinuria.

Eosinophils

A specialized type of white blood cell that elevates in response to allergic reactions and parasitic infections.