Human Biology 1605 Unit 4 (Disease and Disease-Producing Organisms)

Disease

An abnormality in the structure and/or function of a part of the body.

Infectious

Diseases categorized as being caused by an invading microorganism.

Degenerative

Diseases categorized as being caused by breakdown of body tissues.

Nutritional

Diseases categorized as being caused by a lack of nutrient(s).

Metabolic

Diseases categorized by disrupted or non-performance of chemical reactions.

Immune

Diseases categorized as the immune system causing harm to the body.

Neoplasm

Diseases categorized as cancers.

Psychiatric

Diseases associated with mental health.

Predisposing causes

Factors that can raise the risk of disease such as age, sex, inherited genetics, living conditions, lifestyle, habits, hygiene, mental health and stress, adequate sleep, physical injury, chemical exposure, and other Illness.

diagnosis

A complicated assessment of data obtained regarding a patient to determine the presence of disease.

Symptoms

Evidence of disease noticed by a patient (pain, discolouration, cough, etc.)

Signs

Evidence of disease obtained by an observer (blood work, x-rays, behavioural observation, etc.)

syndrome

This groups signs and symptoms associated with a specific disease.

Treatment

Will vary depending on severity, other health concerns, and cost, among other factors. Can include a combination of medication, supplements, dietary adjustments, surgical procedures, and physical activity (therapy, exercises).

Prevention

One of the most effective methods to control many diseases. Can be in the form of education, public services, epistemology research, or regulation.

Complementary medicine

Involves the use of non-mainstream treatments along with conventional medicine to attempt to give even better results.

Alternative medicine

Uses non-mainstream treatments in place of conventional medicine.

complementary and alternative medicine

These treatments include fields such as naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, biofeedback, and herbal medicine.

normal flora

The non-harmful or beneficial non-human cells living on and in a human body. Might aid directly (gut bacteria for digestion) or may keep other harmful microorganisms at bay (certain microorganisms on the skin).

Pathogens

Harmful life forms

Bacteria

Diverse domain of prokaryotic cells capable of rapid growth and spread (common cold, skin infections)

Coccus

Bacteria that is spherical

Bacillus

Bacteria that is rod-shaped

Spiral

Bacteria that is bent, curved, or spiral shaped

Antibiotic drugs

These work to treat harmful bacteria by exploiting the fact that prokaryotic cells use many different chemicals, enzymes, etc. than human cells, thus can harm bacteria while leaving human cells unharmed. Unfortunately, the normal flora may also be harmed.

Fungi

A type of eukaryotic life that feeds though decomposing its food. (skin and nail infections, athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infections)

Fungi and protozoa

Medicines to treat these pathogens must be discriminating to ensure that human cells are unharmed. Treatments will vary depending on the specific pathogen, severity, and location (internal vs external). Prevention of infection plays a major role as they are often transmitted by unhygienic conditions, contaminated drinking water, insect bites, etc.

Protozoa

A type of eukaryotic life from the protist kingdom. They resemble animals in that they are focused on movement, senses, and consuming food. (malaria, trypanosoma, giardia)

Viruses

Submicroscopic organic machines that inject genetic material to take over cells. Are unable to perform life functions without a host. Once infected the host cell will be instructed to produce more of them and continue the spread of disease. (influenza, coronaviruses, many STIs)

shingles

Some viruses will remain in their host cell and only trigger a full takeover under specific conditions. This can last for extremely long times, such as in this disease.

infected cells

When cells are taken over by a virus, these are rarely recoverable. Treatments and/or the immune system will destroy them, leading to long-term or permanent

damage to the area, depending on how easily they can be replaced. In viral nervous system diseases like polio this can result in permanent disability.

spread of infection

Other treatments for viral infections disrupt the various viral proteins, enzymes, etc. which reduces this.

vaccine

The immune system can learn to identify free viruses such as through a ________, and destroy them before they are able to infect cells.

Sterilization

Eliminates all living organisms present. This is an intense process suitable for professional settings such as cleaning surgical tools. Done through strong chemicals, heat, and/or pressure, such as an autoclave.

Disinfection

A comparatively milder treatment that can be performed in more everyday settings. Effective at killing most pathogens, but certain species or forms (such as bacterial spores) may survive. Common ones include bleach and ammonia.