Pathophysiology Basic Terms

Idiopathic

When the etiology (cause) of a disease is unknown

Iatrogenic

When a treatment, a procedure, or an error causes a disease

Pathogenesis

The sequence of events involved in the tissue changes related to the specific disease process

Syndrome

A collection of signs and symptoms, often affecting more than one organ

Occurs in response to a certain condition

Precipitating Factor

A condition that triggers an acute episode, such as a seizure in an individual with a seizure disorder

Sequelae

The potential unwanted outcomes of the primary condition

Paralysis following recovery from a stroke

Morbidity

The disease rates within a group

Such as stroke cause within a population

Atrophy

A decrease in the size of cells, resulting in a reduced tissue mass

Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of individual cells, resulting in an enlarged tissue mass

Hyperplasia

An increased number of cells resulting in an enlarged tissue mass

Metaplasia

When one mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type

May result from vitamin A deficit

Dysplasia

Tissue where cells vary in shape and size

Mitosis is more common

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death

Natural occurrence

Ischemia

Deficit of oxygen in the cells

Due to respiratory problems or circulatory obstruction

Hypoxia

Reduced oxygen in the tissue

Necrosis

When a group of cells die

Gangrene

An area of necrotic tissue that has been invaded by bacteria