Classifications of Diseases and Mechanisms of Disease

A set of flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to the classifications of diseases and their mechanisms.

Congenital Disease

A disease that is present since birth, examples include Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Degenerative Disease

Diseases caused by the malfunction of a vital organ or system, such as Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.

Acquired Disease

Diseases that develop after birth, which can be communicable (spread by infection) or non-communicable (do not spread from person to person).

Infection

The invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms leading to disease.

Inflammation

A response of the body to injury or infection characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Neoplasia

The process of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to benign or malignant tumors.

Homeostasis

The state of stable internal conditions maintained by living organisms.

Pathology

The study of the nature and causes of diseases.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body.

Etiology

The study of the cause or origin of a disease.

Risk Factor

Anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.

Sign

An objective indication of a disease that can be observed or measured.

Symptom

A subjective experience reported by the patient, indicating a disease.

Acute Disease

A disease characterized by a rapid onset and a short duration.

Chronic Disease

A long-lasting disease that can be controlled but not cured.

Autoimmunity

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Immunodeficiency

A failure of the immune system to protect against disease.

Malnutrition

A medical condition resulting from inadequate or excessive intake of food.

Hypersensitivity

An exaggerated immune response to an antigen.

Toxins

Poisonous substances that can harm cells or tissues.

Aging

The process of becoming older, often associated with a decline in physical function.

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammation that may lead to various diseases.

Cytokines

Proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Nutritional Imbalance

A lack of proper nutrition that leads to deficiency diseases.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain living cells called phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris.

B cells

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

T cells

A type of white blood cell involved in immune response.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

A type of immune cell that can destroy cancerous and virus-infected cells.

Vaccine

A preparation used to stimulate the body's immune response against diseases.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.