Final Exam Study Guide - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and concepts from homeostasis, cellular adaptation, neoplasia, inflammation, infection control, genetics, organ systems, and related pathophysiology.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes; disruption can lead to disease.

Atrophy

A decrease in the size of cells causing reduced tissue mass.

Hypertrophy

An increase in cell size resulting in enlarged tissue mass.

Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells, resulting in enlarged tissue.

Metaplasia

Mature cells are replaced by a different mature cell type.

Dysplasia

Cells vary in size and shape within a tissue.

Anaplasia

Undifferentiated cells with variable nuclear and cell structures; marker of aggressive cancer.

Neoplasia

New growth commonly called a tumor.

Benign tumor

Usually differentiated cells, encapsulated, noninfiltrative; can cause disease by mass effect.

Malignant tumor

Undifferentiated, nonfunctional cells that invade and spread; cancerous.

Differentiation

Process by which a cell becomes specialized in structure and function.

Mitosis

A type of cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells; requires genetic control.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene; can be inherited or acquired.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that is tightly regulated in multicellular organisms.

Autosomal recessive

Both alleles must be present for the disorder to manifest; homozygous recessive is affected; heterozygous is a carrier.

Autosomal dominant

One altered allele causes the disorder; no carriers concept in the usual sense.

X-linked

Gene located on the X chromosome; inheritance pattern often affects males more.

Punnett square

Genetic tool used to predict possible offspring allele combinations and trait ratios.

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)

A genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21.

Liquefactive necrosis

Necrosis that results in a liquid debris-like area, common in the brain.

Coagulative necrosis

Necrosis where tissue architecture is preserved for a time after cell death.

Fat necrosis

Necrosis of adipose tissue often associated with soap formation.

Caseous necrosis

Cheese-like necrosis typical of tuberculosis infection.

Infarction

An area of dead tissue due to oxygen deprivation.

Gangrene

Necrotic tissue that becomes invaded by bacteria; may be dry or wet.

Sickle cell disease

Genetic disorder with misshapen (sickle) hemoglobin; autosomal; causes painful crises and anemia.

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

Embolus

A traveling particle that lodges in a distant vessel, causing obstruction.

Thrombus

A stationary blood clot formed within a vessel.

Ischemia

Inadequate blood flow to a tissue, leading to hypoxia.

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

Brief episodes of neurological dysfunction due to temporary cerebral ischemia.

CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Stroke; infarction or bleeding in brain tissue.

Ischemic stroke

Stroke caused by a blocked cerebral artery, reducing blood flow.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Stroke caused by rupture of a cerebral blood vessel and bleeding.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count.

Leukocytosis

Elevated white blood cell count.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count; increased bleeding risk.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium in the blood; can cause neuro symptoms.

Hyperkalemia

High potassium in the blood; can cause dangerous cardiac rhythms.

Hypokalemia

Low potassium in the blood; can cause arrhythmias and weakness.

Hypernatremia

High sodium in the blood; often with dehydration and neuro changes.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium; can cause muscle spasms and tetany.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium; can cause weakness and arrhythmias.

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium; can trigger arrhythmias and neuromuscular irritability.

Hypermagnesemia

High magnesium; can depress neuromuscular function.

ABG respiratory acidosis

Low pH with elevated PaCO2, indicating respiratory failure to remove CO2.

ABG metabolic acidosis

Low pH with low HCO3-, due to metabolic causes.

Autoimmune disorder

Condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

Opportunistic infection

Infection by organisms that take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Nosocomial infection

Healthcare-associated infection acquired in a clinical setting.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count (repeated for emphasis).

Leukocytosis

Elevated white blood cell count (repeated for emphasis).