Biological Effects of Radiation Exposure

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the biological effects of radiation exposure, focusing on acute radiation syndromes and their impacts.

Acute Radiation Syndromes

Syndromes that occur after exposure to high (total body) doses of radiation, characterized by stages such as prodromal, latent, manifest, and recovery/death.

Hemopoietic syndrome

(AKA Bone Marrow Syndrome) 1-10 Gy / survival time is dose dependent / pancytopenia / death from anemia or infection

o Only syndrome a human can survive

Gastrointestinal Syndrome

A condition including nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea, resulting from damage to the intestinal villi, occurring after exposures from about 600–10,000 R.

Central Nervous System Syndrome

A syndrome that occurs after exposures >100 Gy (but >50 Gy for humans) / survival time is dose dependent / death from intracranial pressure.
leading to symptoms like confusion, nausea, and skin burning due to brain and blood vessel damage.

Prodromal Stage

The initial stage of acute radiation syndrome characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (N V D)

Manifest Illness Stage

The stage in which the effects of radiation become noticeable after initial exposure. Reflects organ system (s) critically damaged.

LD50/30

The lethal dose of radiation that will result in death for 50% of the exposed population within 30 days. (Mean survival time)

Cataractogenesis

The formation of cataracts as a result of radiation exposure to the eyes.

Cytogenic Effects

Effects resulting in damage and mutations of chromosomes due to radiation exposure.