Pathophysiology Concepts: Fluid Balance, Immobility, Genetics, and Disease Processes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering pathophysiology terms from Week 1 and Week 2 review packets, including fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, stress adaptation, cellular biology, genetics, cancer, aging, and immobility complications.

Intravascular Fluid

Fluid located within the blood vessels.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found in the spaces between cells.

Transcellular Fluid

Fluid located in body cavities, including synovial, peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial fluid.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside the cells.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The force that pushes fluid out of blood vessels.

Osmotic Pressure

The force that pulls fluid back into blood vessels.

Diffusion

The process by which particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water toward a higher solute concentration.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that helps the kidneys hold onto water.

Aldosterone

A hormone that helps the body retain sodium and water.

Sodium

The main extracellular cation that controls fluid balance and osmolality and supports nerve impulses.

Potassium

The main intracellular cation that maintains the resting membrane and supports heart rhythm and muscle function.

Calcium

An electrolyte that builds bones and teeth and supports muscle contraction and blood clotting.

Magnesium

An electrolyte that activates enzymes, produces energy, and supports nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Phosphate

An electrolyte that builds bones and teeth, forms ATP, and acts as an acid-base buffer.

Chloride

A negatively charged halogen ion formed when chlorine gains an electron.

Acidosis

A condition where the blood becomes too acidic.

Buffers

Substances in the body that soak up or release hydrogen ions to prevent pH changes and keep pH in balance.

Third-Spacing

The phenomenon where fluid shifts into a body space where it is not available for circulation.

Stressor

Any change or challenge that triggers a stress response.

Eustress

Positive stress that can improve focus and motivation.

Distress

Negative stress that overwhelms the body's ability to adapt.

Alarm Stage

The stage of the stress response where the body prepares for 'fight or flight'.

Resistance Stage

The stage of the stress response where hormone levels remain elevated as the body attempts to keep coping.

Exhaustion Stage

The stage of the stress response where the body can no longer respond effectively.

Homeostasis

The natural process an organism uses to maintain a stable internal environment.

Keratin

A fibrous, insoluble protein.

Macrophage

A large white blood cell belonging to the innate immune system.

Acute Disease

A short-term illness that develops quickly and lasts a short time.

Chronic Disease

A long-term condition that develops gradually or persists.

Symptoms

Subjective feelings of disease reported directly by the patient.

Signs

Objective indicators of disease that can be observed or measured.

Syndrome

A collection of signs and symptoms that occur together.

Remission

A period during a disease when manifestations decrease.

Exacerbation

A worsening of disease severity or symptoms.

Complication

A new secondary problem that develops after a disease begins.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure to a microorganism and the appearance of symptoms.

Prodromal Period

The early stage of a disease characterized by vague or general symptoms.

Latent Stage

A silent stage of disease when clinical signs are not yet evident.

Primary Prevention

Measures aimed at preventing disease onset, such as getting vaccinated.

Secondary Prevention

Interventions aimed at early detection of illness, such as regular blood tests.

Tertiary Prevention

Rehabilitation and management strategies following disease onset, such as participating in rehab after a stroke.

Atrophy

A cellular adaptation in which cells decrease in size.

Benign Tumor

A neoplasm that grows slowly, is usually encapsulated, does not invade nearby tissue, does not metastasize, and does not normally cause death.

Malignant Tumor

A neoplasm that grows quickly, usually lacks a capsule, invades nearby tissue, metastasizes throughout the body, and has the potential to cause death if untreated.

Allele

One of the alternative forms of a gene.

Genotype

The specific genetic information that a person carries.

Phenotype

The observable or expressed physical manifestation of a genetic trait.

Carrier

A person who has an altered gene but may not show symptoms of the disorder.

DNA

The cellular material that carries genetic instructions for the body.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains instructions for a specific trait or function.

Chromosome

A cellular structure composed of DNA that holds many genes.

Mutation

A change in the genetic material of an organism.

Congenital Disorder

A condition or health alteration that is present at birth.

Genetic Disorder

A health condition caused by problems or alterations in a person's genes.

Chromosomal Disorder

A condition caused by an abnormal number or altered structure of chromosomes.

Aging

The process of growing older or undergoing physiological changes in the body over time.

Senescence

The deterioration of cellular and bodily function associated with advancing age.

Apoptosis

A controlled physiological process that removes damaged or unneeded cells.

Telomeres

Protective caps composed of repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes.

Localized Immobility

Immobility that is restricted to only one specific part or limb of the body.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis affecting one side of the body, commonly resulting from a stroke.

Paraplegia

Paralysis affecting the legs and lower portion of the body, usually due to spinal cord injury.

Quadriplegia

Paralysis affecting all four limbs and frequently the trunk, typically caused by a spinal cord injury.

Diplegia

Symmetrical paralysis that affects corresponding parts on both sides of the body equally.

Whole-Body Immobility

Immobility in which the entire body is restricted, such as during sedation or coma.