Biomedical Science Study Guide – Vocabulary Flashcards

29 vocabulary flashcards covering key biomedical science terms, pathogen facts, biomarker types, public-health concepts, and laboratory techniques discussed in the lecture notes.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms with their own cellular structure; may possess pili or flagella, can live inside or outside the body, and can cause disease treatable with antibiotics.

Virus

Non-cellular infectious agent consisting of genetic material in a protein coat that requires a host cell to replicate.

Immune System

The body system of organs, cells, and molecules that protects against disease by recognizing and eliminating pathogens.

Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Chronic Disease

A long-lasting health condition with slow progression that is not completely curable but can be managed and often limits daily activities.

Modifiable Risk Factor

A lifestyle, medical, or environmental factor that can be changed to lower the likelihood of developing a disease.

Biomarker

Any objectively measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, used for diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring a therapy.

Diagnostic Biomarker

A biomarker that helps identify the presence of a specific disease or condition.

Prognostic Biomarker

A biomarker that predicts the likely course or outcome of a disease independent of treatment.

Predictive Biomarker

A biomarker that forecasts whether a patient will respond favorably to a particular therapy.

Monitoring Biomarker

A biomarker used to track disease progression or the effectiveness of treatment over time.

Blood Pressure

The force exerted by circulating blood on vessel walls; a common cardiovascular biomarker.

HbA1c

Glycated hemoglobin test reflecting average blood glucose over ~3 months; used to monitor diabetes control.

Procalcitonin

Serum biomarker helpful in distinguishing bacterial infections such as aspiration pneumonia from other conditions.

CA15-3

A serum tumor marker employed to monitor treatment response in breast cancer.

PIK3CA Mutations

Genetic alterations serving as a prognostic biomarker in HER-2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Herd Immunity

Population-level resistance to disease spread when a sufficient proportion is immune, hindering transmission.

Health Equity

The principle of ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain optimal health regardless of background.

DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years)

A metric that quantifies total healthy years of life lost due to both premature death and disability.

Epidemiology

The population-based study of the distribution and determinants of health events, applying findings to disease control.

Primary Prevention

Interventions that prevent a disease or injury from occurring in the first place.

Epidemiologic Triad

A model describing disease spread through interactions among the agent, the host, and the environment.

Pandemic Preparedness

Strengthening systems at all levels to respond rapidly and effectively to pandemics, reducing health and socioeconomic impacts.

Informed Consent

The ethical and legal process in which an individual receives all relevant information and voluntarily agrees to a treatment or study.

Gram Staining

Laboratory technique that differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (red) based on cell-wall structure.

One Health Approach

Collaborative, multisector framework acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health to improve outcomes.

Agent (Epidemiology)

The microorganism or causal factor whose presence or absence leads to a particular disease.

Host

The organism that harbors the disease; its genetics, immunity, and behavior influence susceptibility.

Environment (Epidemiology)

External physical, biological, and social factors that affect disease transmission between agent and host.