Patho Exam 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Page 1 of the Pathophysiology study guide.

Metabolic acidosis

Low blood pH with decreased bicarbonate (HCO3−); common causes include lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, renal failure, and GI bicarbonate loss.

Metabolic alkalosis

High blood pH with increased bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen; common causes include vomiting, NG suction, diuretic use, and mineralocorticoid excess.

Positive feedback loop (endocrinology)

A self-amplifying loop that enhances hormone release or action; e.g., oxytocin surge during labor.

Negative feedback loop (endocrinology)

A regulatory loop in which increased hormone inhibits its own production to maintain homeostasis; e.g., cortisol inhibiting ACTH and CRH.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

Pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.

Cortisol

Glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex; raises blood glucose, has anti-inflammatory effects; regulated by ACTH via a negative feedback loop.

ACTH-cortisol relationship

ACTH stimulates cortisol production; rising cortisol provides negative feedback inhibiting ACTH and CRH.

Growth hormone (GH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that promotes growth, protein synthesis, lipolysis, and metabolic effects.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Vasopressin; promotes water reabsorption in the kidney collecting ducts; regulated by plasma osmolality.

T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones)

Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism; T3 is more active; production stimulated by TSH; negative feedback on TRH/TSH.

Calcitonin

Thyroid C cells hormone that lowers blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts; minor role in calcium homeostasis.

Insulin

Pancreatic hormone from beta cells; promotes glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and lipogenesis; lowers blood glucose.

Acute gastritis

Acute inflammation of the stomach mucosa; risk factors include NSAIDs, H. pylori, alcohol; symptoms: epigastric pain, N/V.

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastric mucosal inflammation; often due to H. pylori or autoimmune etiologies; can lead to atrophy.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; reflux of gastric contents into esophagus due to LES dysfunction; symptoms include heartburn.

Acute pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas; etiologies include gallstones and alcohol; presents with epigastric pain radiating to back; elevated amylase/lipase.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic inflammation of the pancreas leading to fibrosis and exocrine insufficiency; commonly due to long-term alcohol use.

Diverticulosis

Presence of diverticula (outpouchings) in the colon; often asymptomatic.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon; often presents with LLQ pain and fever.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's vs Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease: transmural, skip lesions affecting any part of GI tract; Ulcerative colitis: mucosal, continuous involvement limited to the colon.

Hepatitis A

Acute hepatitis transmitted via fecal-oral route; vaccine-preventable; usually does not become chronic.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B transmitted via blood and sexual contact; can be acute or chronic; vaccination available.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C transmitted primarily by blood; can become chronic; risk factors include IV drug use.

Incontinence types

Stress, urge, functional, overflow, and neurogenic incontinence describe different mechanisms of urinary leakage.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Infection of any part of the urinary tract; commonly cystitis or pyelonephritis; symptoms vary by location.

Urolithiasis

Kidney stones; formed from crystals (calcium oxalate, uric acid, etc.); causes colicky flank or groin pain.

Pyelonephritis

Kidney infection involving the renal pelvis and parenchyma; presents with fever, flank pain, CVA tenderness.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Inherited disorder with multiple renal cysts leading to enlarged kidneys and progressive failure.

Chronic renal failure (CRF)

Chronic kidney disease with reduced GFR and persistent dysfunction; progressive and may lead to uremia.

Acromegaly

GH excess in adults after epiphyseal closure; features include enlarged hands/feet and facial changes.

Gigantism

GH excess in children before epiphyseal closure; results in tall stature and proportional overgrowth.

Dwarfism

Short stature due to GH deficiency or other etiologies; may include pituitary dwarfism.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid; low thyroid hormone levels; symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance.

Hyperthyroidism

Overactive thyroid; high thyroid hormone levels; symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, tachycardia.

Hyperparathyroidism

Elevated parathyroid hormone leading to hypercalcemia and bone resorption.

Hypoparathyroidism

Low parathyroid hormone leading to hypocalcemia and neuromuscular irritability.

Diabetes insipidus (DI)

Deficiency or resistance to ADH causing polyuria and polydipsia; can be central or nephrogenic.

Syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)

Excess ADH causing water retention and hyponatremia; euvolemic hyponatremia.

Cushing's disease

Pituitary ACTH-secreting adenoma causing excess cortisol; a form of Cushing syndrome.

Addison's disease

Adrenal cortex failure causing cortisol and often aldosterone deficiency; hypotension, hyperkalemia.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to insulin deficiency; usually early onset.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency; often associated with obesity; gradual onset.

Diabetes mellitus complications

Microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular complications; infections risk; glycemic damage.