Introduction to Pathophysiology

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the lecture on introductory pathophysiology, including definitions and explanations of important terms related to disease mechanisms and stress responses.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes in the body as a result of a disease or medical condition.

Etiology

The study of the cause or reason for a particular phenomena, identifying the causal factors provoking a disease.

Pathogenesis

The process of development of a disease, from the initial stimulus to the final expression of clinical manifestations.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs and symptoms of a disease; signs are objective, while symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient.

Latent Period

The time between exposure to an injurious agent and the first appearance of signs or symptoms.

Prodromal Period

The period during which the first signs or symptoms appear, indicating the onset of a disease.

Acute Clinical Course

A short-lived phase of a disease that may present with severe signs and symptoms.

Chronic Clinical Course

A long-lasting phase of a disease that may follow an acute course.

Exacerbation

A sudden increase in severity of disease or its signs and symptoms.

Remission

A decrease in severity of disease, signs, or symptoms; it may indicate that the disease is cured.

Epidemiology

The study of patterns of disease within populations.

Endemic Disease

A disease that is native to or prevalent in a local region.

Epidemic Disease

A disease that spreads to many people at the same time.

Pandemic Disease

A disease that spreads across large geographic areas.

Levels of Prevention

Strategies to prevent disease: Primary (reducing susceptibility), Secondary (early detection), Tertiary (rehabilitation).

Homeostasis

A state in which body systems are in balance or equilibrium despite alterations within the body.

Allostasis

The process of achieving stability through change, involving complex regulatory processes controlled by the brain.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A three-stage process (Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion) that describes the body's response to stress.

Catecholamines

Hormones (e.g., norepinephrine and epinephrine) released by the adrenal medulla that induce physiological responses during stress.

Adrenocortical Steroids

Hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone that affect metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.

Endorphins

Endogenous opioids that act as natural pain relievers, raising the pain threshold.

Distress

A perceived inability to cope with stressors.

Coping

Behavioral adaptive responses to a stressor that utilize culturally based mechanisms.

Stressors

Agents or conditions that produce stress and disrupt homeostasis.