Lecture Notes on Histopathology and Related Topics

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key topics in histopathology and related areas.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers body surfaces and lines internal cavities; serves as a barrier against environmental pathogens.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple cell layers.

Glandular Epithelium

Specialized for secretion in glands.

Connective Tissue

Provides structural support, connects tissues, and facilitates immune defense.

Loose Connective Tissue

For cushioning and storing energy.

Dense Connective Tissue

Provides strength and support.

Specialized Connective Tissue

Includes blood, bone, and cartilage.

Muscle Tissue

Enables movement and contraction.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of neurons and glial cells; responsible for signal transmission.

Pathology

The branch of medical science that studies the causes, mechanisms, and effects of disease.

Histopathology

The microscopic examination of tissues to identify abnormalities associated with disease.

Cytopathology

The study of disease at the cellular level.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disease.

Pathogenesis

The biological and molecular sequence of events leading to disease development.

Morphologic Changes

Structural changes in cells and tissues as a result of disease.

Clinical Significance

The impact of a disease on a patient's health.

Idiopathic

A disease with an unknown cause.

Iatrogenic

A condition caused by medical treatment.

Congenital

A disease present at birth.

Nosocomial

An infection acquired in a hospital setting.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease based on clinical evaluation.

Prognosis

The predicted outcome or course of a disease.

Complication

An additional pathological condition that arises during the course of an existing disease.

Sequelae

Long-term consequences or residual effects following an acute disease.

Anatomical Pathology

The branch of pathology that deals with the examination of specimens taken from patients.

Surgical Pathology

The study of disease in tissues removed surgically.

Forensic Pathology

The application of pathology to legal issues.

Infectious Diseases

Caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Genetic Disorders

Result from inherited mutations or chromosomal abnormalities.

Degenerative Diseases

Characterized by progressive tissue and organ damage over time.

Neoplastic Diseases

Involve uncontrolled cell growth leading to tumors.

Autoimmune Diseases

Occur when the immune system attacks the body's own cells.

Metabolic Disorders

Arise from enzyme deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Include hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Respiratory Diseases

Affect the lungs and airways.

Psychiatric Disorders

Affect mental health and behavior.

Acquired Disease

A disease that develops after birth.

Cell Growth Abnormalities

Changes such as aplasia, agenesis, hypoplasia, and atresia.

Atrophy

Reduction in cell size due to decreased use or nourishment.

Dysplasia

Abnormal cell growth with a higher risk of malignant transformation.

Hypertrophy

Increased cell size without new cell formation.

Hyperplasia

Increase in number and size of cells.

Metaplasia

Reversible transformation of one cell type to another.

Anaplasia

Dedifferentiation associated with malignancy.

Inflammation

A protective response by vascularized tissues.

Acute Inflammation

A rapid, early immune response to injury or infection.

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammatory response.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels.

Exudate

Fluid rich in protein that leaks out of blood vessels.

Transudate

Fluid that is filtrate of blood with low protein content.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding.

Thrombosis

The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

Embolism

The obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign object.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood flow to tissues.

Necrosis

Cell death due to injury.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death.

Clotting Cascade

A series of reactions that lead to the formation of a clot.

Arterial Occlusion

Blockage of blood flow in an artery.

Venous Occlusion

Blockage of blood flow in a vein.

Hypoxia

Insufficient oxygen reaching tissues.

Sepsis

A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity.

Tissue Repair

The process of restoring tissue architecture and function.

Granulation Tissue

New tissue formed during the healing process.

Fibrosis

The thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

Regeneration

The process by which cells duplicate and repair tissue.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Autopsy

Examination of a body after death.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

A procedure to extract cell samples using a thin needle.

Pap Smear

A method of cervical screening to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes.

Histotechniques

Methods used in the preparation of histological specimens.

Cell Adaptations

Physiological and pathological changes in cells in response to stimuli.

Adaptation

Changes in cell morphology or function as a response to stress.

Hematoxylin

A dye used in histology to stain cell nuclei.

Eosin

A dye used in histology to stain the cytoplasm.

Mounting Medium

A substance used to preserve the preparation of a histological specimen.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count.

Leukopenia

Low white blood cell count.

Chronic Granulomatous Disease

An inherited immunodeficiency disorder that affects the body's ability to fight certain infections.

Sjögren's Syndrome

An autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eyes and mouth due to lymphocyte infiltration.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs.

Cell-mediated Immunity

A type of immunity that does not involve antibodies but involves the activation of phagocytes and T-cells.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity that is mediated by antibodies.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an individual's immune system.

Immunodeficiency

A state in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease is compromised.

Autoantibodies

Antibodies produced against one's own proteins.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Proteins on cell surfaces that display antigens for recognition by T-cells.

Transplant Rejection

The immune response against transplanted organs or tissues.

Chronic Inflammation

A prolonged inflammatory response that can last for months or years.

Acute Inflammation

A short-term process occurring in response to injury or infection.

Tissue Regeneration

The process by which cells repair injured tissue.

Fibrosis

The excessive growth of connective tissue.

Regrowth

The restoration of lost tissue.

Smoking-related Diseases

Diseases caused or exacerbated by smoking.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to distant sites.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.