Comprehensive Pathophysiology & Clinical Review

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential definitions, symptoms, interventions, and red-flag concepts across body systems, drawn from the provided lecture notes.

Mitochondria

Cell organelle that produces ATP, the cell’s energy currency.

Ribosomes

Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane using ATP.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a membrane without energy use.

DNA Methylation

Epigenetic modification that silences gene expression.

Histone Acetylation

Epigenetic change that activates gene transcription.

Point Mutation

Single-nucleotide alteration in DNA.

Frameshift Mutation

Insertion or deletion that alters the reading frame of DNA.

Missense Mutation

DNA change that substitutes one amino acid for another in a protein.

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)

Genetic disorder with an extra chromosome 21 causing hypotonia and developmental delay.

Genetic Counseling

Professional guidance on inherited disorders and genetic risks.

Atrophy

Decrease in cell size.

Hypertrophy

Increase in cell size.

Apoptosis

Programmed, non-inflammatory cell death.

Necrosis

Pathologic cell death that triggers inflammation.

Osmosis

Movement of water toward higher solute concentration.

Hyponatremia

Low serum sodium causing confusion and seizures.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated serum potassium with peaked T waves and cramps.

Metabolic Acidosis

Low pH and HCO₃⁻, often with Kussmaul respirations.

Isotonic Fluids

IV solutions that have the same osmolality as blood; treat dehydration.

Lactic Acidosis

Acid buildup from anaerobic metabolism, common in sepsis.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific defense including neutrophils and inflammation.

Adaptive Immunity

Antigen-specific response involving B and T lymphocytes.

Type I Hypersensitivity

Immediate, IgE-mediated reaction such as anaphylaxis.

Type II Hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic, antibody-mediated cell destruction.

Type III Hypersensitivity

Immune-complex deposition causing tissue damage.

Type IV Hypersensitivity

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

Sepsis

Life-threatening organ dysfunction from dysregulated infection response.

Autoimmune Disease

Condition where immune system attacks self-tissues.

Epinephrine (IM)

First-line drug for anaphylaxis.

Cortisol

Stress hormone that raises glucose and suppresses immunity.

Hallmarks of Cancer

Traits like angiogenesis and evasion of apoptosis enabling malignancy.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes (e.g., p53, BRCA1/2) that inhibit cell proliferation.

Childhood Leukemia

Cancer of blood-forming tissues presenting with fatigue and bruising.

Neuroblastoma

Pediatric tumor often forming an abdominal mass with catecholamine secretion.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Pressure inside the skull; normal 5–15 mmHg.

Delirium

Acute, reversible disturbance in attention and cognition.

Dementia

Chronic, progressive cognitive decline.

Cerebral Autoregulation

Brain’s ability to maintain constant blood flow despite BP changes.

Parkinson’s Disease

Dopamine deficiency causing bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity.

Tonic-Clonic Seizure

Generalized seizure with muscle stiffening and jerking phases.

HPA Axis

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal hormonal feedback system.

SIADH

Excess ADH causing water retention and hyponatremia.

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)

ADH deficiency leading to polyuria and hypernatremia.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Type 1 DM emergency with ketosis and metabolic acidosis.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

Type 2 DM crisis with severe hyperglycemia and dehydration, no ketones.

Desmopressin

Synthetic ADH used to treat DI.

BNP

Hormone released in heart failure indicating ventricular stretch.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Congenital hole in ventricular septum causing holosystolic murmur.

Tetralogy of Fallot

Four-part congenital defect causing cyanosis and squatting behavior.

Atherosclerosis

Arterial plaque buildup leading to ischemia.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Ischemic necrosis of heart muscle; ↑troponins, ST elevation.

Alveoli

Terminal air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Surfactant

Substance reducing alveolar surface tension to prevent collapse.

Asthma

Reversible airway obstruction with wheezing.

Emphysema

COPD type with alveolar destruction and barrel chest.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Common infant virus causing bronchiolitis with wheeze.

Croup

Viral laryngotracheitis with barky cough and stridor.

Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic disorder causing thick mucus and frequent infections.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Measure of kidney function; normal >90 mL/min.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Sudden decline in renal function with ↑creatinine/BUN.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema due to glomerular damage.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Infection of urinary system causing dysuria and urgency.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of glomeruli causing hematuria and hypertension.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate enlargement leading to urinary hesitancy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Endocrine disorder with androgen excess and anovulation.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection of upper female reproductive tract.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Backflow of stomach acid due to LES dysfunction.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Erosion of stomach/duodenal lining from H. pylori or NSAIDs.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver scarring leading to fibrosis and portal HTN.

Osteoblast

Bone-forming cell.

Osteoclast

Bone-resorbing cell.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Autoimmune symmetric joint inflammation.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Degenerative asymmetric joint disease worsened by activity.

Compartment Syndrome

Increased limb pressure compromising circulation; six P’s.

Psoriasis

Autoimmune skin disease with silvery plaques.

First-Degree Burn

Superficial burn involving only epidermis.

Second-Degree Burn

Partial-thickness burn with blisters.

Third-Degree Burn

Full-thickness burn destroying nerves; may be painless.

Parkland Formula

Fluid resuscitation guideline for burns (4 mL × kg × %TBSA).

Addison’s Disease

Adrenal insufficiency with low cortisol and aldosterone.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Excess cortisol causing moon face and buffalo hump.

Addisonian Crisis

Life-threatening acute adrenal insufficiency.

Thyroid Storm

Sudden surge of thyroid hormones causing hyperthermia and tachycardia.

Cushing’s Triad

Bradycardia, hypertension (wide pulse pressure), irregular respirations indicating ↑ICP.

Status Epilepticus

Seizure lasting >5 min or repeated without recovery; emergency.

Allostatic Load

Physiologic wear from chronic stress exposure.

Wilms Tumor

Pediatric kidney cancer presenting as non-tender abdominal mass.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Genetic hemoglobin disorder causing RBC sickling and pain crises.

Acute Chest Syndrome

Sickle cell complication with chest pain and hypoxia.

Thrombocytopenia

Platelet count <150,000 increasing bleeding risk.

Hemophilia

X-linked clotting-factor deficiency causing joint bleeding.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Simultaneous clotting and bleeding with high mortality.

Hydration-Oxygen-Pain-Support (HOPS)

Core management for sickle cell crisis.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid in alveoli producing pink frothy sputum; HF emergency.

Status Asthmaticus

Severe asthma attack unresponsive to therapy.

Knee-Chest Position

Posture to relieve Tet spell cyanosis in TOF.

Bronchiolitis

Inflammation of small airways, often from RSV.

Mannitol

Osmotic diuretic used to reduce ICP.

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

Synthetic ADH for DI and bleeding disorders.