Introduction to Pathology and Pathophysiology

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key definitions, disease classifications, and specific syndromes from the lecture on pathology and pathophysiology.

What is the definition of pathophysiology?

The study of the disruption of normal bodily function (homeostasis) due to disease; essentially the physiology of abnormal function.

What is the definition of pathology?

The study of structural or morphological abnormalities that are expressed as diseases of cells, tissues, organs, and whole systems.

How is disease defined in this lecture?

An impairment of cells, tissues, organs, or body-system functions that challenges homeostasis; synonymous with illness or being sick.

What is body homeostasis?

A dynamic steady state marked by appropriate regulatory responses by the body—i.e., health.

In medical terminology, what does etiology mean?

The cause of a disease or disorder (e.g., genetic, acquired, infectious, etc.).

What is an idiopathic disease?

A disorder whose cause cannot be identified.

What does iatrogenic mean?

A condition that results from medical treatment.

Define a congenital disorder and give an example from the lecture.

A disorder that occurs during fetal development; example: congenital (berry) aneurysm.

What is a nosocomial disease?

An infectious disorder acquired in a hospital setting.

How is an acute disease characterized?

Severe disorder with rapid onset and usually self-limiting signs and symptoms, e.g., acute myocardial infarction.

How is a chronic disease characterized?

A long-term, continuous process with exacerbations and remissions that is usually not curable, e.g., chronic ulcerative colitis.

What does subacute disease refer to?

A disease course that falls between acute and chronic in duration.

What is a subclinical disease?

A condition with no signs or symptoms that usually does not progress.

What is meant by the carrier state of a disease?

The patient harbors a pathogen without symptoms but can transmit it to others; example: Typhoid Mary (Salmonella typhi).

What is the difference between a disease and a syndrome?

Disease is an impairment of bodily function, whereas a syndrome is a group of clinical symptoms and physical features.

List six syndromes highlighted in the lecture.

Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Cushing syndrome (ACTH), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (ethanol), Turner syndrome (XO karyotype), Klinefelter syndrome (XXY karyotype), and Toxic Shock Syndrome (staph aureus)

What chromosomal abnormality causes Down syndrome?

Trisomy 21.

Give three typical physical features of Down syndrome.

Protruding wrinkled tongue, Brushfield spots in the iris, and a single transverse (simian) palmar crease.

Which hormone is characteristically elevated in Cushing syndrome?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

What teratogenic exposure leads to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Maternal consumption of ethanol during pregnancy.

What karyotype is associated with Turner syndrome?

monosomy XO

Name two hallmark physical findings in Turner syndrome.

Short stature with webbed neck and widely spaced nipples on a broad chest (shield chest).

What karyotype is associated with Klinefelter syndrome?

XXY

List two common physical characteristics of Klinefelter syndrome.

Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy with infertility.

Which bacterium most commonly causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Staphylococcus aureus.