Definition Flashcard Set

Homeostasis

The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Oncotic Pressure

Osmotic pressure created by proteins like albumin that keeps fluid inside blood vessels.

Osmoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in fluid concentration in the body.

Dehydration

Fluid volume deficit caused by excessive fluid loss or inadequate intake.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Elevated blood pH caused by increased bicarbonate or acid loss.

Metabolic Acidosis

Decreased blood pH caused by excess acid or decreased bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis

Acidosis caused by CO2 retention from hypoventilation.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Alkalosis caused by excessive CO2 loss from hyperventilation.

Compensation

The body’s attempt to restore normal acid-base balance.

BNP

Hormone released by the heart in response to fluid overload.

Hyponatremia

Sodium level below 135 mEq/L.

Hypernatremia

Sodium level above 145 mEq/L.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium level in the blood.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium level in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium level in the blood.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium level in the blood.

Hypermagnesemia

High magnesium level in the blood.

Ischemic Stroke

Brain tissue damage caused by blocked blood flow.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke caused by rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Bleeding into the space between the brain and arachnoid membrane.

Concussion

Mild traumatic brain injury causing temporary neurologic dysfunction.

Cerebral Contusion

Bruising of brain tissue.

Bell Palsy

Temporary paralysis or weakness of facial muscles.

Cerebral Edema

Swelling of brain tissue caused by fluid accumulation.

Parkinson Disease

Neurodegenerative disorder causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

ALS

Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.

Multiple Sclerosis

Autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the CNS.

Alzheimer Disease

Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Hypertension

Persistently elevated blood pressure.

Myocardial Infarction

Death of heart muscle caused by blocked coronary blood flow.

Heart Failure

Inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet body needs.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Valve Stenosis

Narrowing of a heart valve opening.

Valve Regurgitation

Backward leakage of blood through a valve.

Aneurysm

Abnormal bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall.

Thrombus

Blood clot that remains where it formed.

Embolus

Traveling clot or material that blocks blood flow.

Endocarditis

Infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Pneumonia

Infection and inflammation of lung tissue.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease causing bronchoconstriction.

Emphysema

COPD disorder causing destruction of alveoli and air trapping.

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic inflammation of bronchi causing productive cough.

Pulmonary Embolism

Obstruction of pulmonary blood flow by a clot.

Atelectasis

Collapse of alveoli causing reduced gas exchange.

Hypoxia

Decreased oxygen available to tissues.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by inhalation of foreign material into the lungs.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Crohn Disease

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

Autoimmune inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix.

Esophageal Varices

Enlarged esophageal veins caused by portal hypertension.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Brain dysfunction caused by liver failure and toxin buildup.

Pyelonephritis

Infection and inflammation of the kidney.

Acute Kidney Injury

Sudden decline in kidney function.

Chronic Renal Failure

Progressive irreversible loss of kidney function.

ESRD

End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplant.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli.

Urolithiasis

Formation of stones in the urinary tract.

Nephrolithiasis

Kidney stones.

Cystitis

Inflammation or infection of the bladder.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine.

Hypothyroidism

Decreased thyroid hormone production.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Life-threatening diabetic complication causing ketone buildup and acidosis.

Diabetes Insipidus

Disorder causing inability to concentrate urine due to ADH problems.

Addison Disease

Adrenal insufficiency causing low cortisol and aldosterone.

Cushing Disease

Disorder caused by excess cortisol.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

PID

Infection of the female reproductive organs.

PCOS

Hormonal disorder causing excess androgens and irregular periods.

Cryoablation

Destruction of tissue using extreme cold.

Tay-Sachs Disease

Genetic disorder causing lipid buildup in the brain.

Marfan Syndrome

Connective tissue disorder caused by FBN1 mutation.

Turner Syndrome

Chromosomal disorder where females are missing one X chromosome.

Spina Bifida

Neural tube defect involving incomplete spinal closure.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa sac.

MRSA

Antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

Melanoma

Dangerous skin cancer involving melanocytes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Slow-growing skin cancer with pearly appearance.

Aplastic Anemia

Bone marrow disorder causing decreased blood cell production.