Patho Week 1

Cellular Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Nucleus

Contains DNA and regulates the structure and function of the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of tubules responsible for transporting proteins.

Smooth ER

Site of lipid production within the cell.

Rough ER

Contains ribosomes that produce proteins.

Ribosomes

Protein factories that contain ribosomal RNA.

Lysosomes

Organelles with digestive enzymes that destroy unwanted cells and materials.

Autolysis

The process of self-destruction of a cell.

Heterolysis

The digestion of foreign material by lysosomes.

Golgi Apparatus

The protein packaging center of the cell that processes and secretes proteins.

Mitochondria

The "battery" of the cell that produces ATP through aerobic respiration.

Cell Membrane

A semi-permeable barrier that separates intracellular and extracellular environments.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like internal fluid that holds organelles within the cell.

Pathogenesis

The development of an acute, chronic, or recurrent disease.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissue.

Diagnosis

The process of determining the condition that explains present symptoms.

Prognosis

The likely course a disease will take based on severity and diagnostic tests.

Risk Factors

Events or exposures that increase the likelihood of developing a disease.

Precipitating Factors

Factors that make one susceptible to illness, often genetic.

ATP

The energy currency of the cell used in various cellular processes.

Aerobic Metabolism

Metabolism that requires oxygen and occurs in mitochondria, yielding 34 ATP.

Anaerobic Metabolism

Metabolism that occurs without oxygen, yielding 2 ATP and pyruvic acid.

Glycoproteins

Surface markers on cells that identify them as part of the individual’s own tissues.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that requires energy to move Na+ and K+ across the plasma membrane.

Atrophy

The decrease in cell size.

Hypertrophy

The increase in cell size.

Hyperplasia

The increase in the number of cells.

Metaplasia

The replacement of one cell type with another.

Dysplasia

Deranged cell growth characterized by abnormal size, shape, and organization.

Neoplasia

New, disorganized, uncontrolled cell growth, often forming a tumor.

Benign

Tumors that are usually localized, well-differentiated, and do not metastasize.

Malignant

Tumors that are poorly differentiated, have a higher likelihood of metastasis, and poorly defined borders.

Hypoxia

A condition of low oxygen delivery that can lead to cell injury or death.