Pathophysiology: Blood Disorders & Inflammation

Neutrophils

Primary pathogen-fighting cells making up about 60% of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that help control allergic responses and fight parasites.

Basophils

Cells that release heparin, histamine, and inflammatory mediators during inflammation and allergies.

T Helper Cells (CD4)

Lymphocytes that activate and initiate the immune response.

Cytotoxic T Cells (CD8)

Lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity without specific antibody involvement.

Neutropenia

A virtual loss or absence of neutrophils with a count less than 1,500.

Infectious Mononucleosis

A lymphoproliferative disorder caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, affecting B cells.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

A malignant B-cell lymphoma distinguished by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Prions

Small, abnormally shaped infectious proteins that lack a genome and cause central nervous system degeneration.

Mycoplasmas

Bacteria-like microorganisms naturally resistant to antibiotics because they lack defined cell walls.

Four Cardinal Signs of Acute Inflammation

Rubor (redness), tumor (swelling), calor (heat), and dolor (pain).

Vascular Stage of Acute Inflammation

Initial transient vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation and increased capillary permeability.

Cellular Stage Steps of Acute Inflammation

Margination, emigration, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis by white blood cells.

Purulent Exudate

Inflammatory drainage consisting of pus, white blood cells, proteins, and broken-down tissue.

Stages of a Fever

Prodromal stage, chill stage, flush phase, and defervescence (sweating/ventilation).

Natural Killer Cells

Lymphocytes providing natural innate immunity against foreign and antigenic cells.

Monocytes / Macrophages

The largest white blood cells responsible for phagocytosis and acting as antigen-presenting cells.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Malignant neoplasms originating within lymph nodes that spread early and rapidly.

Helminths

Wormlike parasites that depend on a host for nourishment and reproduction.

Virulence Factors

Traits such as toxins, adhesion, evasion, and invasion factors that enhance a pathogen's ability to cause damage.

Serous Exudate

Watery, low-density inflammatory drainage that is clear with a tan tint due to low protein content.

Mast Cells

Tissue cells similar to basophils that release heparin and histamine during allergic reactions.

Aplastic Anemia

Mutation of myeloid stem cells resulting in low red blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils.

HIV

Immune deficiency disorder that leads to cellular immunity defects and impaired T cell immunity.

Myeloma

Plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the rapid expansion of a single clone of immunoglobulin plasma cells.

Viruses

Microorganisms with a protein coat surrounding a nuclear core that cannot reproduce without a host cell.

Fungi

Organisms with unique cell walls, categorized into yeasts and molds, that mostly live on body surfaces.

Chronic Inflammation

A self-perpetuating, insidious inflammatory response lasting weeks, months, or years that causes tissue damage.

Leukemias

Malignant neoplasms of hematopoietic stem cells originating within the blood and infiltrating organs.

Rickettsiae and Chlamydiae

Pathogens sharing both viral-like intracellular and bacterial-like cellular characteristics.

Commensalism

A relationship where an organism requires nutrients from the host without harming the host.

Mutualism

An interaction where both the organism and the host obtain benefits from each other.

Saprophytes

Organisms that primarily benefit from dead or dying organisms, such as fungi or mold.

Protozoa

Unicellular parasites with complete cellular components and a nucleus, lacking a cell wall.

Arthropods

Parasites such as ticks, flies, and mites that act as vectors of infectious disease without benefit to the host.

Portals of Entry

Mechanisms of transmission including penetration, direct contact, and inhalation.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

A systemic inflammation test measuring the rate at which sticky red blood cells clump and fall.

Clinical Course of Infectious Disease

Stages of infection including incubation, prodromal, acute, convalescent, and chronic.

Inflammatory Mediators

Chemical substances derived from plasma or cells that drive the inflammatory response.

Systemic Manifestations of Inflammation

Systemic responses including fever, increased catabolism, and leukocytosis.

Myeloid Neoplasms

Abnormal growths resulting from mutations of the myeloid cell line.

Pyrogens

Substances that interact with hypothalamic thermoregulation to promote prostaglandin and cytokine release, causing fevers.

RICE Therapy for Inflammation

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation methods used to induce vasoconstriction and decrease blood flow and swelling.

Myeloid vs. Lymphoid Stem Cells

Progenitor lines in bone marrow from which granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes respectively originate.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Organisms that take advantage of a host when their defenses are down.

Infectious Disease

When a parasitic relationship evolves to the point of injury and damage to the host.

Subliminal Disease

A stage of infection where medication is taken, antibodies are used, or the condition is self-limiting.

Negative Nitrogen Balance

A fundamental change in amino acids associated with systemic inflammation and increased catabolism.

Granulocytes

White blood cells originating from myeloid stem cells that contain granules and phagocytic cells.

Agranulocytes

White blood cells containing no granules, comprising lymphocytes and monocytes.

Leukopenia

Any decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, most often affecting neutrophils.