Deterministic Effects of Radiation (Early Effects)

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the early effects of radiation, focusing on Acute Radiation Syndrome and its subcategories, as well as broader systemic responses.

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

Serious illness or death from whole body doses of 1 Gy (100 rad) or more in a short time.

Hematologic Syndrome

A.K.A. Bone Marrow Syndrome; occurs after doses of .7 – 10 Gy, leading to a reduction in blood cell counts.

Gastrointestinal Syndrome

Occurs at doses greater than 10 Gy, causing severe nausea, diarrhea, and potentially death within 2 weeks.

Central Nervous System Syndrome

Caused by doses greater than 50 Gy, resulting in confusion, loss of consciousness, and death within hours to 3 days.

Prodromal Stage

The immediate response stage in ARS characterized by nausea and vomiting.

Latent Stage

The stage following exposure with no visible signs of radiation sickness.

Manifest Illness Stage

The stage where severe symptoms such as fever and diarrhea appear, potentially leading to recovery or death.

Mean Survival Time

Average time between exposure and death; decreases as whole body dose increases.

Local Tissue Damage

Results from irradiation of tissue or organs; effects depend on radiosensitivity and cell proliferation.

Erythema

Reddening of the skin due to radiation exposure.

Cytogenetic Effects

Study of cell structure and function, particularly chromosomes, affected by radiation.

Karyotype

A chromosome map displaying the number and appearance of chromosomes.

Single-hit Aberrations

Visible damage to chromosomes from a single 'hit' of radiation.

Multi-hit Aberrations

Complex chromosomal damage resulting from multiple radiation hits.

Dicentric Chromosome

A chromosome formed when two adjacent chromosomes each suffer one hit and recombine.

Reciprocal Translocation

Genetic rearrangement where fragments of chromosomes are lost or reassigned to daughter cells.

Systemic Response to Radiation

Responses related to radiation exposure affecting multiple bodily systems.