Definition Flashcard Set

Homeostasis — The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Oncotic Pressure — Osmotic pressure created by proteins like albumin that keeps fluid inside blood vessels.

Osmoreceptors — Receptors that detect changes in fluid concentration in the body.

Dehydration — Fluid volume deficit caused by excessive fluid loss or inadequate intake.

Metabolic Alkalosis — Elevated blood pH caused by increased bicarbonate or acid loss.

Metabolic Acidosis — Decreased blood pH caused by excess acid or decreased bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis — Acidosis caused by CO2 retention from hypoventilation.

Respiratory Alkalosis — Alkalosis caused by excessive CO2 loss from hyperventilation.

Compensation — The body’s attempt to restore normal acid-base balance.

BNP — Hormone released by the heart in response to fluid overload.

Hyponatremia — Sodium level below 135 mEq/L.

Hypernatremia — Sodium level above 145 mEq/L.

Hyperkalemia — Elevated potassium level in the blood.

Hypocalcemia — Low calcium level in the blood.

Hypercalcemia — High calcium level in the blood.

Hypomagnesemia — Low magnesium level in the blood.

Hypermagnesemia — High magnesium level in the blood.

Ischemic Stroke — Brain tissue damage caused by blocked blood flow.

Hemorrhagic Stroke — Stroke caused by rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage — Bleeding into the space between the brain and arachnoid membrane.

Concussion — Mild traumatic brain injury causing temporary neurologic dysfunction.

Cerebral Contusion — Bruising of brain tissue.

Bell Palsy — Temporary paralysis or weakness of facial muscles.

Cerebral Edema — Swelling of brain tissue caused by fluid accumulation.

Parkinson Disease — Neurodegenerative disorder causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

ALS — Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.

Multiple Sclerosis — Autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the CNS.

Alzheimer Disease — Progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline.

Hypertension — Persistently elevated blood pressure.

Myocardial Infarction — Death of heart muscle caused by blocked coronary blood flow.

Heart Failure — Inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet body needs.

Pulmonary Edema — Fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Valve Stenosis — Narrowing of a heart valve opening.

Valve Regurgitation — Backward leakage of blood through a valve.

Aneurysm — Abnormal bulging or weakening of a blood vessel wall.

Thrombus — Blood clot that remains where it formed.

Embolus — Traveling clot or material that blocks blood flow.

Endocarditis — Infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

Pericarditis — Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Pneumonia — Infection and inflammation of lung tissue.

Asthma — Chronic inflammatory airway disease causing bronchoconstriction.

Emphysema — COPD disorder causing destruction of alveoli and air trapping.

Chronic Bronchitis — Chronic inflammation of bronchi causing productive cough.

Pulmonary Embolism — Obstruction of pulmonary blood flow by a clot.

Atelectasis — Collapse of alveoli causing reduced gas exchange.

Hypoxia — Decreased oxygen available to tissues.

Aspiration Pneumonia — Pneumonia caused by inhalation of foreign material into the lungs.

Cirrhosis — Chronic liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

Pancreatitis — Inflammation of the pancreas.

Crohn Disease — Chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis — Autoimmune inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum.

Appendicitis — Inflammation of the appendix.

Esophageal Varices — Enlarged esophageal veins caused by portal hypertension.

Hepatic Encephalopathy — Brain dysfunction caused by liver failure and toxin buildup.

Pyelonephritis — Infection and inflammation of the kidney.

Acute Kidney Injury — Sudden decline in kidney function.

Chronic Renal Failure — Progressive irreversible loss of kidney function.

ESRD — End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplant.

Glomerulonephritis — Inflammation of the glomeruli.

Urolithiasis — Formation of stones in the urinary tract.

Nephrolithiasis — Kidney stones.

Cystitis — Inflammation or infection of the bladder.

Hematuria — Blood in the urine.

Hypothyroidism — Decreased thyroid hormone production.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis — Life-threatening diabetic complication causing ketone buildup and acidosis.

Diabetes Insipidus — Disorder causing inability to concentrate urine due to ADH problems.

Addison Disease — Adrenal insufficiency causing low cortisol and aldosterone.

Cushing Disease — Disorder caused by excess cortisol.

Goiter — Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Endometriosis — Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

PID — Infection of the female reproductive organs.

PCOS — Hormonal disorder causing excess androgens and irregular periods.

Cryoablation — Destruction of tissue using extreme cold.

Tay-Sachs Disease — Genetic disorder causing lipid buildup in the brain.

Marfan Syndrome — Connective tissue disorder caused by FBN1 mutation.

Turner Syndrome — Chromosomal disorder where females are missing one X chromosome.

Spina Bifida — Neural tube defect involving incomplete spinal closure.

Bursitis — Inflammation of a bursa sac.

MRSA — Antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

Melanoma — Dangerous skin cancer involving melanocytes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma — Slow-growing skin cancer with pearly appearance.

Aplastic Anemia — Bone marrow disorder causing decreased blood cell production.