General Principles of Pathology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to pathology, inflammation, immunity, dental caries, and systemic diseases with oral manifestations.

Inflammation

The body's reaction to injury or invasion by disease-causing organisms.

Phagocytic cells

Cells that engulf and digest bacteria, dead cells, or other debris.

Neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes

A type of phagocytic cell that plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Histiocytes

A type of immune cell that is involved in the inflammatory response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Edema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissues.

Exudate

Fluid that escapes from blood vessels and accumulates in tissues during inflammation.

Transudate

Fluid that passes through a membrane or tissue with low protein content during inflammation.

Pavementing or margination

The process of phagocytes moving along the walls of blood vessels.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells toward a chemical stimulus.

Walling off

The formation of a barrier to limit the spread of inflammation.

Fibrosis

The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often due to inflammation.

Fibrin formation

The process of developing fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting and tissue repair.

Repair

The process of healing following injury or inflammation.

Acute inflammation

A rapid and immediate response to injury.

Subacute inflammation

A type of inflammation that is less intense than acute inflammation and lasts longer.

Chronic inflammation

Persistent inflammation that can result from unresolved acute inflammation.

Chronic granulomatous inflammation

A form of chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas.

Serous inflammation

Characterized by increased fluid with few cells and little fibrin.

Fibrinous inflammation

Inflammation with a significant accumulation of fibrin.

Purulent inflammation

Inflammation marked by the presence of pus.

Catarrhal inflammation

Inflammation that involves the mucous membranes, often resulting in increased mucus secretion.

Pseudomembranes

Layers of fibrin and cells that form on mucosal surfaces during severe inflammation.

Abscess

Localized collection of pus due to infection.

Cellulitis

Diffuse inflammation of connective tissue.

Arteriolar constriction

The narrowing of small blood vessels during the initial phase of inflammation.

Increased blood flow

Heightened blood circulation to the site of inflammation.

Increased permeability

The ability of blood vessels to allow fluids and immune cells to exit into tissues.

Exudation of fluid

The process of fluid leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

Leukocytes escape

The movement of white blood cells out of the blood vessels into tissues.

Cytokines

Mediators that influence the behavior of other cells in the immune response.

Prostaglandins

Lipid compounds that perform various roles including mediating inflammation and pain.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Enzymes that break down components of the extracellular matrix.

Regeneration

Replacement of cells that are lost or damaged.

Repair processes

Processes that aid in the healing of tissues.

Immunity

The ability of an organism to resist infections.

Innate immunity

Natural resistance that an organism is born with.

Acquired immunity

Immunity developed through exposure to pathogens or vaccination.

Passive immunity

Short-term immunity provided by the transfer of antibodies.

Active immunity

Long-term immunity developed through the body's own immune response.

Allergy

An immune response that is harmful and detrimental to the host.

Type I allergic reaction

An immediate hypersensitivity reaction such as anaphylaxis.

Type II allergic reaction

A cytotoxic reaction involving antibodies that damage cells.

Type III allergic reaction

Immune complex-mediated reactions leading to inflammation.

Type IV allergic reaction

Delayed hypersensitivity mediated by T lymphocytes.

Dental caries

A microbial disease that causes decalcification and disintegration of dental tissues.

Actinomyces viscosus

A bacterium associated with cementum damage in dental caries.

Streptococcus mutans

A key bacterium involved in the development of dental caries.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

A bacterium that plays a role in carious lesion progression.

Candida albicans

An opportunistic fungus present in the oral cavity.

Etiological factors

Factors contributing to the development of a disease.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disorder that affects oral health and increases the risk of infections.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid condition impacting dental health.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid condition affecting dental development.

Hyperparathyroidism

An increased production of parathyroid hormone leading to dental issues.

Hypoparathyroidism

Underground production of parathyroid hormone affecting calcium balance.