Expanded Pathophysiology Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the pathophysiology lecture notes.

Osmosis

Movement of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Diffusion

Passive movement of particles from high to low concentration.

Active Transport

ATP-dependent movement of substances against their concentration gradient.

Apoptosis

Programmed, controlled cell death that does not trigger inflammation.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death leading to cell rupture and inflammation.

Atrophy

Decrease in cell size.

Hypertrophy

Increase in cell size.

Hyperplasia

Increase in the number of cells.

Metaplasia

Replacement of one mature cell type with another.

Dysplasia

Disordered cell size, shape, and organization; often precancerous.

Anaplasia

Loss of cell differentiation; hallmark of malignancy.

B Cell

Lymphocyte that differentiates into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

T Cell

Lymphocyte responsible for cell-mediated immunity.

IgG

Most abundant antibody; crosses the placenta.

IgA

Antibody that provides mucosal immunity.

IgM

First antibody produced during an infection.

IgE

Antibody that triggers histamine release in allergic reactions.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate, IgE-mediated allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis).

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic reaction involving IgG/IgM antibodies (e.g., transfusion reactions).

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune-complex–mediated reaction (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus).

Type IV Hypersensitivity

Delayed, T-cell–mediated reaction (e.g., TB skin test).

Cachexia

Cancer-related wasting syndrome driven by tumor cytokines; not reversed by nutrition alone.

Isotonic

Solution with equal solute concentration; no net fluid shift.

Hypotonic

Solution that moves water into cells.

Hypertonic

Solution that draws water out of cells.

Stage I Pressure Ulcer

Intact skin with non-blanchable redness.

ABCDE

Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving—criteria for assessing skin lesions.

0.9% NaCl

Normal saline; isotonic intravenous fluid.

3% NaCl

Hypertonic saline; used to treat severe hyponatremia.

Fluid Volume Excess

Signs include crackles, edema, and rapid weight gain.

CD4 < 200

Laboratory threshold that confirms AIDS when accompanied by opportunistic infections.

Second-Degree Burn

Partial-thickness burn with blisters involving epidermis and part of dermis.

Vascular Response

Vasodilation and increased permeability causing redness and swelling in inflammation.

Systemic Inflammation

Whole-body signs such as fever, fatigue, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP.

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammation leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.

Plasma Cell

Differentiated B cell devoted to antibody production.

CD4 T Cell

Helper T cell that activates B cells and macrophages.

CD8 T Cell

Cytotoxic T cell that destroys infected or cancerous cells.

Type I Example

Asthma, anaphylaxis, or food allergy.

Type II Example

Hemolytic anemia or blood transfusion reaction.

Type III Example

Systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Type IV Example

Contact dermatitis or positive TB skin test.

Cancer Progression

Stages: initiation → promotion → progression.

Seeding

Spread of cancer through body cavities, such as the peritoneum.

Lymphatic Spread

Typical first route of metastasis via lymphatic vessels.

0.45% NaCl

Hypotonic fluid used for cellular dehydration.

Isotonic Fluid

IV solutions (e.g., NS, LR) that expand vascular volume without fluid shift.

Hypernatremia

Elevated serum sodium causing thirst, dry mucosa, and agitation.

Hyponatremia

Low serum sodium leading to confusion, headache, and seizures.

Hyperkalemia

High serum potassium causing peaked T waves, weakness, and risk of cardiac arrest.

Hypokalemia

Low serum potassium causing muscle cramps, flat T waves, and arrhythmias.

Stage III Pressure Ulcer

Full-thickness skin loss; subcutaneous fat may be visible.

Unstageable Ulcer

Wound base covered by slough or eschar; true depth unknown.

Deep Tissue Injury

Purple or maroon intact skin indicating underlying damage.

First-Degree Burn

Superficial burn limited to epidermis; red and painful (e.g., sunburn).

Third-Degree Burn

Full-thickness burn; may be painless due to nerve destruction.

Chain of Infection

Sequence: agent → reservoir → exit → transmission → entry → susceptible host.

AIDS Diagnosis

CD4 count below 200 cells/µL plus opportunistic infections.