Pathophysiology Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering fundamental concepts in pathophysiology, ideal for exam preparation.

Pathophysiology

The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

Pathology

The study of the causes and effects of disease or injury.

Physiology

The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Homeostasis

The process by which a steady state of physiological balance is maintained in the body.

Etiology

The study of the cause of a disease.

Prognosis

The expected outcome or course of a disease.

Iatrogenic

A condition caused by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures.

Pathogenesis

The development and progression of a disease.

Necrotic Tissue

Tissue that has died due to disease, injury, or lack of blood supply, often associated with gangrene.

Atrophy

A decrease in the size or wasting away of an organ or tissue.

Stages of Cellular Changes

The progressive alterations in cellular structure as they develop.

Metaplasia

A reversible change where one differentiated cell type is replaced by another.

Anaplasia

A loss of differentiation in cells, often seen in cancer.

Neoplasia

The process of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.

Noninfectious Disease

Diseases not caused by pathogens, such as diabetes.

Acute Disease

A disease characterized by a rapid onset and often a severe course.

Chronic Disease

A long-developing syndrome, such as osteoporosis or asthma.

Subclinical

Referring to a stage of disease that does not have noticeable symptoms.

Primary Prevention

Preventive measures that occur before the onset of disease.

Secondary Prevention

Preventive measures that detect and address an existing disease.

Tertiary Prevention

Preventive measures aimed at rehabilitation and preventing further deterioration.

Latent State of Disease

A dormant or inactive phase of a disease.

Precipitating Factor

An event that triggers the onset of a disease.

Sequelae

The aftereffects or long-term effects of a disease.

Complication

An additional medical problem that arises after a primary disease has begun.

Syndrome

A group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality.

Prophylaxis

Preventive treatment to prevent disease.

Pandemic

An outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale.

Epidemic

A rapid increase in the number of cases of a disease in a particular area.

Morbidity

The condition of being diseased or the incidence of disease in a population.

Mortality

The state of being subject to death; the death rate in a population.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced in the body that regulate various functions.

Hypokalemia

A deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream.

Hyponatremia

A deficiency of sodium in the blood.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition where there is an excess of acid in the body due to metabolic processes.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in the body's pH, often caused by excessive loss of acid.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition resulting from an accumulation of carbon dioxide due to respiratory failure.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition caused by hyperventilation leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of a solvent into a solution.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid due to the force of gravity.

Lymphatic Blockage

A condition that occurs when lymphatic vessels become obstructed.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Hypertension

Abnormally high blood pressure.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure.

Histamine

A chemical that causes increased blood vessel permeability and is involved in inflammatory responses.

Fluid Overload

An excess of fluid in the body and tissues.

Dehydration

A state in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in.

Hypercalcemia

An elevated level of calcium in the blood.

Hypocalcemia

A deficiency of calcium in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated level of potassium in the blood.

Hypokalemia

A deficiency of potassium in the blood.

Third Spacing

The accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of the body.

Calcium Regulation

The process by which the body maintains stable levels of calcium in the bloodstream.

Parathyroid Gland

The gland that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

pH Range

The scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

Dehydrated Urine

Urine that appears dark due to concentration from decreased fluid intake.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to potentially damaging stimuli by sending signals to the brain.

Autonomic Fibers

Nerve fibers that control involuntary bodily functions.

A Delta Fibers

Large myelinated fibers responsible for transmitting sharp pain rapidly.

C Delta Fibers

Unmyelinated fibers that transmit dull and aching pain slowly.

Myelination

The process of layering a myelin sheath around nerves which increases the speed of nerve impulse conduction.

Brain's Role in Pain

The area of the brain that processes pain and emotional responses.

Referred Pain

Pain perceived at a location other than the site of the painful stimulus.

Acute Pain

Pain that comes on quickly and has a sharp quality.

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts for an extended period, often defined as longer than three months.

TMJ Headache

A headache stemming from tension in the jaw muscles.

Migraine

A type of headache characterized by severe, debilitating pain often accompanied by nausea.

Pain Severity Medications

Pain relief medication categorized by strength: mild (e.g. Tylenol), medium, severe (e.g. morphine).

Anesthesia Types

Various methods to induce an insensitivity to pain.

RAS Function

The reticular activating system, involved in regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

Neuropathic Pain

Pain caused by damage or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system.

Psychogenic Pain

Pain arising from psychological factors.

First Line of Defense

The body's innate defenses against pathogens, including skin and mucous membranes.

Second Line of Defense

The immune response that is activated when the first line of defense is breached.

Third Line of Defense

The adaptive immune response involving lymphocytes and antibodies.

Lymphocyte Activation

The process by which lymphocytes are triggered to respond to pathogens.

Bradykinin

A peptide that causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to decreased blood pressure.

Prostaglandins

Lipids that have various functions in the body, including the modulation of inflammation.

Macrophages

Large white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Fibroblasts

Cells that synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen.

Basophils

A type of white blood cell that plays a role in the inflammatory response.

Left Shift of White Blood Cells

An increase in immature white blood cells in the blood, often indicative of infection.

Elevated LAT

An indicator of possible liver dysfunction or damage.

Aspirin (ASA) Action

Aspirin works by inhibiting enzymes responsible for inflammation and pain signaling.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Medications that reduce inflammation, often relieving pain and fever.

Glucocorticoid Therapy

Treatment using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.

Healing Process

The sequence of events that occur to restore tissue integrity after injury.

Burn Effect on Joints

Burn injuries can lead to long-term problems with joint mobility and function.

Degree of Burn

Classification of burns based on severity: first, second, and third degree.

Organism Related to Burn

Specific pathogens that can complicate burn injuries and affect healing.

Metabolic Needs of Burn Patients

Increased caloric intake, particularly protein, required for healing in burn patients.

Loss of Function Cause

Loss of function may result from tissue injury, inflammation, or dysfunction.