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Intro to Clinical Medicine
Pathology Definitions
169
Medical
Graduate
06/28/2007

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Term
cell injury
Definition
occurs when environment changes exceed the capacity of the cell to maintain normal homeostasis through normal cellular adaptations
Term
hydropic swelling
Definition
a condition of reversible cell injury characterized by a large, pale cytoplasm and normally located nucleus
Term
atrophy
Definition
a decrease in the size and function of a cell or organ
Term
ischemia
Definition
interference with the blood supply to tissues
Term
hypertrophy
Definition
an increse in the size of a cell/organ accompanied by augmented functional capacity
Term
hyperplasia
Definition
an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue
Term
metaplasia
Definition
the conversion of one differential cell type to another
Term
dysplasia
Definition
an alteration in the size, shape, and organization of the cellular components of a tissue
Term
coagulative necrosis
Definition
changes in cell cytoplasm and the nucleus common to all forms of cellular death
Term
liquefactive necrosis
Definition
when a localized collection of acute inflammatory cells produce rapid death and dissolution of a tissue, often resulting in an abscess
Term
inflammation
Definition
a reaction of the microcirculation characterized by movement of fluid and leukocytes from the blood into extravascular tissues
Term
fat necrosis
Definition
when digestive enzymes are released from injured cells into the extracellular space resulting in digestion of surrounding tissue including adipose cells
Term
caseous necrosis
Definition
the typical lesion of tuberculosis in which the dead cells persist indefinitely as amorphous, coarsely granular, eosinophilic debris
Term
fibrinoid necrosis
Definition
an alteration of injured blood vessels with the influx and accumulation of plasma proteins
Term
apoptosis
Definition
the death of single cells as a result of activation of a gentically programmed suicide pathway
Term
edema
Definition
an increase in extravascular fluid
Term
effusion
Definition
excess fluid in the cavities of the body
Term
transudate
Definition
edema fluid with a loss of protein content
Term
exudate
Definition
edema fluid with a high protein content
Term
serous
Definition
effusion/exudate with absence of cellular response components
Term
serosanguinous
Definition
effusion/exudate with erythrocytes
Term
fibrinous
Definition
exudate with large amounts of fibrin from activation of the coagulation system
Term
purulent
Definition
effusion/exudate with prominent cellular components
Term
suppurative
Definition
purulent exudate is accompanied by significant liquefactive necrosis
Term
vasoactive mediators
Definition
cellular components that influence responses of the microvasculature to injury
Term
platelet
Definition
a peripheral blood component arising from bone marrow that plays a primary role in the initiation and regulation of clot formation
Term
mast cell
Definition
cell within connective tissue containing receptors for IgE; when stimulated by an antigen, a variety of inflammatory mediators are secreted into extracellular tissues
Term
complement system
Definition
a group of 20 plasma proteins that are a source of vasoactive mediators and play an important role in host defense against bacterial infection
Term
anaphylatoxins
Definition
products of complement activation which have potent effects of smooth muscle contraction and vascular permeability
Term
phagocytosis
Definition
the process of recognizing, internalizing, and digesting foreign material or the debris of injured cells
Term
bacterial opsonization
Definition
the process by which a specific molecule binds to the surface of a bacterium
Term
cellular recruitment
Definition
the second phase of the acute inflammatory response; involves the accumulation of leukocytes at sites of tissue injury
Term
chemotaxis
Definition
movement of cells in response to chemicals
Term
cytokine
Definition
a group of low molecular weight chemotactic (involved in the movement of cells) proteins secreted by cells at sites of inflammation
Term
lysosomal enzymes
Definition
enzymes involved in the intracellular degredation of phagocytosed material
Term
neutropenia
Definition
an abnormally small presence of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the peripheral blood
Term
macrophage
Definition
a pivotal cell in regulating the reactions that lead to chronic inflammation; a source of both inflammatory and immunologic mediators
Term
plasma cells
Definition
lymphoid cells that are the primary source of antibodies
Term
lymphocytes
Definition
involved in both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses
Term
eosinophils
Definition
cells often involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infestations
Term
epithelioid cells
Definition
macrophages that have undergone characteristic changes in response to chronic inflammation
Term
leukocytosis
Definition
an increase in the numbers of circulating leukocytes commonly accompanying acute inflammation
Term
dehiscence
Definition
bursting of a partially-healed wound
Term
regeneration
Definition
the renewal of a lost tissue or part in which the missing cells are replaced by identical ones
Term
collagen
Definition
a family of closely related proteins forming the white fibers of connective tissue, cartilage and bone
Term
basement membrane
Definition
delicate structure at the interface between cells and stroma containing collagen, laminin and other matrix components
Term
fibronectin
Definition
a family of glycoproteins in which specialized binding sites allow binding to a variety of structures
Term
proteoglycans
Definition
molecules of the extracellular matrix formed by long. unbranched, polysaccharide chains which are covalently bound to a protein core
Term
integrins
Definition
a family of cell surface receptors that bind components of the extracellular matrix
Term
cytokine
Definition
soluble proteins that bind to specific cell surface receptors, stimulate mitogenic (growth) factors, in order to modulate cell behavior during embryogenesis, normal tissue maintainance, inflammation, immune responses, and wound healing
Term
healing
Definition
a restoration of integrity to a injured tissue
Term
contraction
Definition
a reduction in the size of a wound mediated principally by myofibroblasts
Term
myofibroblast
Definition
cell with features of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells that migrate into a wound 2-3 days after injury; their active contraction decreases the size of a wound
Term
myofibroblast
Definition
cell with features of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells that migrate into a wound 2-3 days after injury; their active contraction decreases the size of a wound
Term
repair
Definition
the orderly process by which a wound is eventually replaced by a scar
Term
erosion
Definition
a wound in which only the lining epithelium is affected
Term
granulation tissue
Definition
formed in the initial response to tissue injury; consists of a richly vascular connective tissue that contains new capillaries, abundant fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells
Term
angiogenesis
Definition
pronounced vascular proliferation starting 48-72 hours after injury and lasting several days
Term
natural immunity
Definition
bodily defense mediated by cells involved in the inflammatory responses; is not affected by prior exposure to the offending agent
Term
acquired immunity
Definition
bodily defense mediated by specific sensitizing exposure to the offending agent (antigen); response is magnified by subsequent exposures to the same antigen
Term
autoimmunity
Definition
an immune response generated against self-antigens as a result of a breakdown in the ability of the immune system to differentiate between self and non-self antigen
Term
T lymphocytes
Definition
cells that recognize specific antigens on the surface of another cell, and respond by intrinsic factors or exogenous signals from extracellular molecules
Term
T lymphocytes
Definition
cells that recognize specific antigens on the surface of another cell, and respond by intrinsic factors or exogenous signals from extracellular molecules
Term
CD4 cells
Definition
helper T lymphocytes
Term
CD8 cells
Definition
killer or cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Term
B lymphocytes
Definition
cells that bear membrane immunoglobulin and secrete antibody
Term
natural killer cells
Definition
a subgroup of lymphocytes that have the capacity to recognize and kill various tumor and virus-infected cells
Term
mononuclear phagocytes (monos)/macrophages
Definition
monos are found in virtually all organs and connective tissues, forming a filtering system for foreign material in blood; they also play a critical role in the induction of immune responses and resolution of inflammatory reactions
Term
major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
Definition
an intricate system of membrane proteins that is the main target for the rejection of transplanted organs
Term
human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
Definition
MHC antigen that allow for self-recognition during cell-cell interactions in the immune response
Term
human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
Definition
MHC antigen that allow for self-recognition during cell-cell interactions in the immune response
Term
hypersensitivity reaction
Definition
an immune response that results in tissue injury
Term
anaphylaxis
Definition
Type I hypersensitivity reaction; localized/generalized reaction that occurs immediately after exposure to a previously sensitized antigen
Term
cytotoxic hypersensitivity
Definition
Type II hypersensitivity reaction caused by IgG or IgM cytotoxic antibodies directed against antigen on cell surfaces or in connective tissue
Term
immune complex disease
Definition
Type III hypersensitivity involves tissue injury mediated by immune complexes (Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Term
serum sickness
Definition
an acute, self-limited disease that occurs 6-8 days after an injection of a foreign protein; characterized by fever, arthralgias, vasculitis, acute kidney damage
Term
cell-mediated immunity
Definition
Type IV hypersensitivity; an antigen-elicited cellular immune reaction that results in tissue damage but does not require the participation of antibodies
Term
delayed-type hypersensitivity
Definition
a tissue reaction that occurs in response to the subcutaneous injection of a soluble antigen, reaching peak intensity 24-48 hours after injection
Term
hyperacute rejection
Definition
occurs within minutes to hours after organ/tissue transplantation; mediated by preformed antibodies
Term
hyperacute rejection
Definition
occurs within minutes to hours after organ/tissue transplantation; mediated by preformed antibodies
Term
acute rejection
Definition
occurs in the first few weeks after tissue transplantation probably involving both cell-mediated and humoral mechanisms
Term
chronic rejection
Definition
occurs several months to years after transplantation and show histologic changes very different from the acute pattern
Term
graft-versus-host reaction (GVD)
Definition
occurs in bone marrow transplantation when lymphocytes in the grafted marrow reject host tissues; also occurs when immunodeficient patients are transfused with blood products containing HLA-incompatible lymphocytes
Term
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Definition
chronic, progressive, fatal disease caused by the human immunodificiency virus (HIV) infection and destruction of CD4 lymphocytes leading to impaired immune function and a variety of defects
Term
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Definition
chronic, progressive, fatal disease caused by the human immunodificiency virus (HIV) infection and destruction of CD4 lymphocytes leading to impaired immune function and a variety of defects
Term
tumor suppressor gene
Definition
a mutation that creates a deficiency of a normal gene product which controls cellular proliferation causing tumor formation
Term
cancer
Definition
an uncontrolled proliferation of cells that express varying degrees of fidelity to their precursors
Term
carcinoma
Definition
any of the various types of malignant neoplasms that derive from epithelial tissue; classified according to invasiveness and changes that indicate anaplasia; may be undifferentiated or resemble the tissue from which it derives
Term
sarcoma
Definition
any of the various, usually highly malignant, neoplasms of connective tissue
Term
invasion
Definition
direct extension or spread of a tumor within the tissue of origin, with penetration of the basement membrane of host tissue and the surrounding extracellular environment
Term
metastasis
Definition
the transfer of malignant cells from one site to another not directly connected with it
Term
benign tumor
Definition
does not invade adjacent tissue borders or spread (metastasize) to distant sites; often identified by the suffix "oma", preceded by a reference to the cell or tissue of origin
Term
malignant tumor
Definition
tumor that invades and/or metastasizes where subpopulations of tumor cells proliferate; usually carry the same name as their benign counterparts, with the suffix "carcinoma" to indicate epithelial origin or "sarcoma" to indicated mesenchymal (mesodermal cells) origin
Term
anaplasia
Definition
lack of differentiation in a cancer cell (degree correlates with aggressiveness)
Term
carcinoma in situ
Definition
localized malignant tumor that has not yet acquired invasive potential
Term
mutagens
Definition
agents that can permanently alter the genetic constitution of a cell
Term
oncogene
Definition
tumorigenic and transforming DNA sequences in human tumors that are mutants of normal proto-oncogenes which control growth and differentiation
Term
cardiac tamponade
Definition
a precipitous drop in cardiac output caused by pericardial fluid accumulation
Term
hemorrhage
Definition
a discharge of blood from the vascular compartment to the exterior of the body or into nonvascular body spaces
Term
hematoma
Definition
hemorrhage into the soft tissues
Term
purpura
Definition
diffuse superficial hemorrhages in the skin up to 1 cm. in diameter
Term
ecchymosis
Definition
a superficial hemorrhage larger than 1 cm.
Term
petechia
Definition
a pinpoint hemorrhage usually in the skin or conjunctiva
Term
hyperemia
Definition
an excess amount of blood in an organ
Term
congestion
Definition
passive hyperemia; engorgement of an organ with venous blood
Term
thrombosis
Definition
formation within a vascular space of an aggregate of coagulated blood containing platelets, fibrin and entrapped cellular elements
Term
deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
Definition
thrombosis of the deep venous system of the legs
Term
stasis
Definition
stagnation of the blood or other fluids
Term
embolus
Definition
the passage through venous/arterial circulation of any material capable of lodging in a blood vessel, obstructing the lumen
Term
decompression sickness
Definition
a unique form of gas embolism occurring underwater, where large amounts of inert gas are dissolved in body fluids forming gas bubbles in the circulation if the diver ascends too rapidly
Term
fat embolism syndrome
Definition
caused by severe trauma to fat-containing tissue as occurs in bone fractures, where emboli of fat are released into damaged blood vessels; appears 1-3 days after the injury and may cause fatal respiratory failure
Term
infarction
Definition
an area of ischemic coagulative necrosis produced by total occlusion of an artery (usually by a thrombus)
Term
pale infarct
Definition
an infarct that becomes soft, light yellow and sharply delineated 1-2 days after the initial hyperemia; typical in heart, kidneys, brain and spleen
Term
red infarct
Definition
an infarct that is distinguished by active bleeding into the site of coagulative necrosis from adjacent arteries and veins; typical in organs with a dual blood supply (lung) or extensive collateral circulation (small intestine, brain)
Term
septic infarct
Definition
results when necrotic tissue of an infarct is seeded by pyogenic bacteria and becomes infected
Term
ascites
Definition
edema fluid in the peritoneal cavity
Term
anasarca
Definition
extreme generalized edema with conspicious fluid accumulation in subcutaneous tissue, visceral organs and body cavities
Term
congestive heart failure
Definition
a syndrome that occurs when the heart does not pump and adequate volume of blood to meet the needs of the body
Term
pulmonary edema
Definition
increased fluid in the alveolar spaces and interstitium of the lung causing decreased gas exchange leading to hypoxia and hypercapnia
Term
zygote
Definition
a fertilized egg
Term
agenesis
Definition
failure of an organ or part to develop or grow
Term
albinism
Definition
congenital, partial, or total absence of pigment of hair, skin, and eyes
Term
aplasia
Definition
failure of an organ or part to develop normally
Term
allele
Definition
one of a series of alternate forms of a gene at the same locus. Ex. A, B, and O are alleles for the blood group gene. A person with blood type AB has the A allele on one chromosome and the B allele at the same locus on the homologous chromosome
Term
atresia
Definition
congenital absences or closure of a normal body opening or tubular structure
Term
x-linked
Definition
a gene located on an x-chromosome (formerly known as sex-linked)
Term
autosome
Definition
a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome
Term
carrier
Definition
an individual possessing a mutant gene or chromosomal rearrangement which usually is not clinically apparent and which may be passed on to his/her offspring
Term
chromosome
Definition
the structural elements in the cell nucleus composed of DNA and proteins which contain the genes
Term
trisomy
Definition
the presence of three homologous chromosomes rather then the normal two
Term
congenital
Definition
present at birth
Term
consanguinity
Definition
refers to a mating between individuals of common ancestry
Term
consult and consultant
Definition
the individual who seeks counseling. On the pedigree it is marked by an arrow
Term
division failures
Definition
a failure of tissue to separate into parts which results in anomaly
Term
dominant
Definition
a gene (allele) which is expressed clinically in the heterozygous state. In a dominant disorder the mutant allele overshadows the normal allele
Term
dysplasia
Definition
abnormal development of tissue
Term
dysraphic anomalies
Definition
failure of a raphe formation or failure of fusion of parts that normally fuse
Term
dysraphic anomalies
Definition
failure of a raphe formation or failure of fusion of parts that normally fuse
Term
ectopic
Definition
in an abnormal position
Term
expressivity
Definition
the extent to which a gene is clinically expressed in an individual. Variable expressivity refers to the variation in severity produced by the same gene in different individuals
Term
gamete
Definition
the germ cells, egg, and sperm
Term
genotype
Definition
the genetic composition of an individual
Term
heterotopic
Definition
development of normal tissue, organ, or part in an abnormal location
Term
heterozygote
Definition
an individual who has two different alleles at a given locus on a pair of homologous chromosomes
Term
homologous chromosome
Definition
a pair of chromosomes, one from each parent carrying the genes for the same traits. When looking at a karyotype, the members of a homologous pair look alike
Term
homozygote
Definition
an individual who has two identical alleles at a given locus
Term
hypoplasia
Definition
underdevelopment of a tissue, organ, or body
Term
index case
Definition
the affected individual who brings the family to the attention of the geneticist. Also known as the proband or propositus/proposita
Term
involution failures
Definition
failure of the normal involution of congenital tissue which results in anomaly
Term
involution failures
Definition
failure of the normal involution of congenital tissue which results in anomaly
Term
karyotype
Definition
the picture of the chromosomes arranged in a standard order
Term
linkage
Definition
when genes for different traits are located in close proximity on the same chromosome
Term
locus
Definition
the position or place that a gene occupies on a chromosome
Term
monosomy
Definition
when one chromosome of one pair is missing
Term
mosaic
Definition
an individual who has two or more cell lines which differ from each other in chromosome number or morphology
Term
multifactorial
Definition
the interaction of many genes and the environment
Term
mutagen
Definition
an environmental agent, either physical, chemical, or biological, capable of inducing mutation
Term
mutation
Definition
a heritable change in a gene
Term
nondisjunction
Definition
failure of paired chromosomes to separate during cell division
Term
pedigree
Definition
a graphic picture using symbols that represent an individual?s family tree
Term
penetrance
Definition
frequency with which individuals carrying a given gene will show the clinical manifestations associated with that gene
Term
penetrance
Definition
frequency with which individuals carrying a given gene will show the clinical manifestations associated with that gene
Term
phenotype
Definition
the observable characteristics of an individual
Term
phenotype
Definition
the observable characteristics of an individual
Term
recessive
Definition
a gene (allele) which is expressed clinically in the homozygous state. In a recessive disorder, both genes at a given locus must be abnormal to manifest the condition
Term
sex chromosome
Definition
the x and y chromosomes which normally are responsible for sex determination
Term
syndrome
Definition
a collection or pattern of physical findings that occur together and have the same etiology
Term
teratogen
Definition
an environmental agent capable of causing malformation(s)
Term
translocation
Definition
a rearrangement occurring when a piece of one chromosome is broken off and joined to another chromosome. An individual with a balanced translocation has the normal amount of genetic material, but it is rearranged and thus gametes could be produced which contain an unbalanced translocation
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