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192 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Adenocarcinoma |
A malignant tumor of glandular epithelium. See also adenoma and carcinoma. |
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Adenoma |
A benign epithelial tumor |
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Apoptosis |
Programmed cell death. This is distinct from necrosis which represents ell death due to injury. |
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Carcinogen |
A chemical or substance that damages DNA and can lead to cancer |
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Carcinoma |
Malignant cells derived from epithelial cells |
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Cytoplasm |
The material enclosed by the plasma membrane of a cell excluding the nucleus. In other words, the inner material of a cell including the fluid making up the cell and the organelles. |
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Dysplasia |
Alteration in the size, shape, and organization of cells |
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Epithelial Cells |
Cells making up the epithelium (i.e. sheet of cells that covers or lines a body surface) |
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Etiology |
Refers to factors that cause disease and their method of introduction to the host |
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Hyperplasia |
An abnormal increase in the number of cells |
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Leukemia |
A malignant proliferation of white blood cells found in the blood |
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Lymphatic System |
Consists of lymphoid organs and tissues and thin walled vessels that carried lymph throughout the body. Functions in returning excess fluids to the circulatory system and is a site for immune surveillance |
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Lymphoma
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A malignant proliferation of lymphoid tissue, but not found in the blood
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Mesenchymal Tissue |
Embryonic tissue that is derived from mesoderm. The cells are capable of developing into connective tissue, such as bond and cartilage, the lymphatic system, and the circulatory system. |
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Metastasis |
The process by which disease bearing cells (eg, cancer) are spread from one part of the body to another |
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Neoplasia |
Any abnormal multiplication of cells |
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Nucleus |
The membrane bound organelle of eukaryotic cells that contains DNA and chromosomes |
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Oncogene |
A proto-oncogene that has been affected in some way as to either increase its activity or its level of expression |
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p53 |
A transcription factor regulating cell division and apoptosis. Also functions as a tumor suppressor. (= protein 53 kilodaltons) |
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Polyp |
A protruding growth from a mucous membrane (ie, epithelium) |
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Polyposis |
The development of multiple polyps |
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Proto-oncogene |
Regulatory gene that promotes cell division |
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Sarcoma
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A malignant tumor of mesenchymal tissue
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Somatic Cell |
Cells that make up the organism, excluding the germ cells involved in the formation of sperm and eggs |
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Tumor |
A mass of cells derived from a single cell that began to divide abnormally. Cells of benign tumors remain at the original site whereas cells of malignant tumors migrate, or metastasize. |
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Tumor suppressor |
A regulatory protein which inhibits the cell division process (eg, p53) |
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Adaptive Immunity |
Immunity based on responses of antigen-specific B and T lymphocytes including the development of immunological memory |
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Complement |
A set of plasma proteins that function to attack and kill extracellular pathogens by perforating their membrane or by promoting phagocytosis |
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C-Reactive Protein |
A protein synthesized by liver cells in response to inflammatory cytokines that binds to LPS of bacterial and fungal cell walls |
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Cytokine |
Proteins made by some cells that affect the behavior of other immune effector cells (ie, a hormone) |
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Inflammation |
A local immune response resulting from injury or infection characterized by swelling, redness, pain and warmth due to the accumulation of fluid and leukocytes |
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Innate Immunity |
Early host defense mechanisms that are not directed against a specific pathogen, but rather at a class of pathogens |
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Interferon (INF) |
Cytokines that help cells resist viral infections. INF-alpha and INF-beta are two specific interferons involved in anti-virus immunity |
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Leukocyte |
A general term that includes all white blood cells |
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Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) |
A molecule consisting of lipids and polysaccharide moieities that is a major component of the cell wall of gram negative bacteria |
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Lymph |
Fluid and cells carried by the lymphatic system |
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Lymphatic system |
Then walled vessels that carry lymph throughout the body |
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Lymphoid Organs |
Organized tissues that contain a large number of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are generated in the primary lymphoid organs (bone marrow and thymus) and migrate to the secondary lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue). |
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Macrophage |
Large mononuclear phagocytic cells found in most tissues. They function in innate immunity to phagocytosed pathogens and in adaptive immnunity to present antigens |
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Natural Killer (NK) cells |
Cytotoxic lymphocytes that circulate in the blood and play a role in innate immunity against virus-infected cells and tumor cells as well as ADCC |
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Neutrophil |
Phagocytic white blood cells that participate in innate immunity |
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PAMP |
Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern. Molecules associated with groups of pathogens that are recognized by the innate immune system. |
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Pathogen |
An organism or entity that is capable of causing disease |
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PRR |
Pattern Recognition Receptors. Receptors that recognize PAMPs, including mannose binding proteins, C-reactive protein and TLRs. |
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Toll-like Receptor (TLR) |
A class of proteins that play a key role in innate immunity by functioning as pattern-recognition receptors (PRR) |
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WBC |
White Blood Cell (leukocyte) |
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Adaptive Immunity |
Immunity based on responses of antigen-specific B and T lymphocytes |
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Antibody |
The secreted form of an immunoglobulin secreted by a mature B-lymphocyte (i.e. plasma cell) that binds to a specific antigen |
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Antigen |
A molecule that interacts with components of the immune system, especially antibodies or T-cell receptors |
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Antigen Presenting Cell (APC) |
Cells that express MHC proteins complexed with peptides derived from antigens on their surface to activate T-lymphocytes |
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Attenuated Vaccine |
A vaccine prepared from a weakened and non-virulent form of the pathogen and therefore normally does not cause the disease |
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B-cell |
Lymphocytes that mature in the bone marrow and that synthesize antibodies in response to an antigen |
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CMI |
Cell Mediated Immunity. An adaptive immnunity in which antigen-specific T-lymphocytes play a predominant roll. |
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Cytotoxic T-cell |
T-lymphocytes that directly kill virus infected cells, tumor cells, or other abnormal cells. Also called CD8+ cells. |
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Dendritic Cell |
Professional antigen-presenting cells characterized by a branching morphology. Most important APC! |
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Helper T-cell |
A subset of T-lymphocytes that function to stimulate other immune effector cells by secreting cytokines. Also called CD4+ cells. |
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Immunization (active) |
The deliberate induction of an adaptive immune response by administration of antigen |
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Killed Vaccine |
A vaccine prepared from a non-living form of the pathogen |
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Lymphocyte |
A class of white blood cell derived from lymphoid precursor cells. Includes B-cells, T-cells and NK cells. |
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MHC |
Major Histocompatibility Complex. A cluster of genes encoding polymorhic membrane proteins that 'present' peptide antigens to T-cells. |
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Neutralization |
Refers to the binding of antibodies to cells or proteins thereby preventing pathogen replication and spread, pathogen binding or entry into cells, or the action of toxins |
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Passive Immunization |
The injection of a specific antibody or serum to provide protection against a pathogen of toxin |
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Plasma Cells |
Terminally differentiated B-cells that secrete antibody |
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Subunit Vaccine |
A vaccine prepared from isolated proteins or other antigens of a pathogen |
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T-cell |
Lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and are responsible for cell-mediated immunity |
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T-cell Receptor (TCR) |
Receptor on the surface of T-lymphocytes that recognizes processed antigen (i.e. peptide) bound to the MHC protein |
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Vaccine |
A preparation prepared from a pathogen or some component of the pathogen that is administered to stimulate an adaptive immune response and provide protection against subsequent exposures to that pathogen |
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Allergen |
An antigen that elicits hypersensitivity or allergic reaction |
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Allergy |
A state of hypersensitivity |
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Anaphylactic Shock |
IgE-mediated allergic reaction that results in circulatory collapse and suffocation |
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Asthma |
A disease induced by infection, allergy or other irritation resulting in swelling of the lung passages and possible loss of breathing |
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Autoimmune Disease |
A disease resulting from an immunological response |
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Histamine |
A chemical released by mast cells and basophiles that has inflammation as well as vasoactive properties |
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HLA |
Human Leukocyte Antigen. Same as MHC. |
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HLA Type |
Refers to the combination of MHC class I and class II alleles a person has |
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Hygiene Hypothesis |
A proposal that lack of exposure to infectious agents and particularly parasitic worms may increase the risk of developing autoimmune or hypersensitivity diseases |
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Hypersensitivity |
Immune responses (i.e. inflammation) to innocuous antigens that lead to symptomatic reactions on exposure. Can be local or systemic. |
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IgE |
A type of immunoglobulin (i.e. antibody) important for immunity against parasitic worms and plays a major role in type I hypersensitivity reactions (i.e. allergy) |
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Mast Cells |
Large bone marrow derived cells found in connective tissue throughout the body that have a high affinity of IgE and play a major role in allergic reactions and immunity to helminthes |
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BMI |
Body Mass Index. Defines as weight in Kilograms divided by the height in meters squared. |
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calorie |
A unit for measuring heat and used especially to describe the value of food for producing energy |
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Emaciation |
Excessive thinness or wasting of the body |
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Failure-to-Thrive |
Inadequate weight gain and physical growth in children, usually <2 years of age |
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Kwashiorkor |
A condition caused by a diet low in protein, but containing some calories in the form of carbohydrates |
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Leptin |
A peptide hormone that is produced by fat cells and plays a role in body weight regulation by suppressing appetite |
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Macronutrients |
Dietary elements needed in large quantities to supply energy and support cell replication and repair. Includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and water. |
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Malnutrition |
A deficiency in either calories or dietary essentials |
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Marasmus |
A condition caused by defficiency of both protein and calories characterized by emaciation |
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Metabolic Syndrome |
A syndrome marked by the presence of usually three or more of a group of factors (high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, high triglyceride levels, low HDL levels, and high fasting levels of blood sugar) that are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (also called insulin resistance syndrome). |
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Micronutrients |
Essential Dietary elements required in small amounts for the normal metabolic functioning of the body |
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Mineral |
An inorganic compound that is necessary in small amounts for the normal metabolic functioning of the body |
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Ob Gene |
Obesity gene. The gene that encode liptin. |
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Obesity |
A condition in which an individual exceeds the ideal body weight by 20% |
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RDA |
Recommended Daily Allowance. The minimal nutrient requirements to prevent disease as determined by the Institute of Medicine. |
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Stunted |
Refers to a lower than expected height according to age due to malnutrition |
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Vitamin |
A general term for a group of unrelated organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts for the normal metabolic functioning of the body |
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Wasted |
Refers to a lower than expected weight according to age due to malnutrition |
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Alpha-Cells |
Cells found in the pancreas that produce glucagon in response to low blood glucose levels |
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Beta-Cells |
Cells found in the pancreas that produce insulin in response to high blood glucose levels |
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Diabetes (Mellitus) |
A disease characterized by high blood glucose levels that fluctuate with sugar uptake. Due to defects in the production, release, or reception of insulin. |
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DKA |
Diabetic Ketoacidosis. A severe compllication of diabetes that can lead to coma or death. |
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FPG |
Fasting Plasma Glucose. Glucose levels after at least eight hours of no caloric intake. |
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Gestational Diabetes |
A transient form of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy |
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Glucogenesis |
The synthesis of glucose from other metabolites such as glycogen, amino acids, and triglycerides |
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Glucagon |
A hormone involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels are low and resulting in n increase in blood glucose |
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Glucose |
A common carbohydrate that plays a central role in the metabolism |
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Glucosuria |
The presence of glucose in the urine. A characteristic of diabetes. |
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Glycated Hemoglobin |
Hemoglobin with attached carbohydrates that serve as a biomarker for excessive blood glucose levels and diabetes (HbA1c) |
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GTT |
Gluclose Tolerance Test. Measurement of blood glucose levels two hours after ingestion of 75 grams of glucose. |
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Hyperglycemia |
Eleveated blood glucose levels |
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Hypoglycemia |
Blood glucose levels below normal |
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Insulin |
A hormone involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels that is released in response to high blood glucose levels and results in a decrease in the blood glucose |
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Pre-Diabetes |
A condition characterized by high levels of insulin in the blood and blood glucose levels that are normal or slightly elevated |
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Type 1 Diabetes |
Diabetes due to a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, or insulin deficiency. Also called insulin dependent diabetes, or previously, juvenile diabetes. |
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Type 2 Diabetes |
Due to a failure of the body to respond properly to insulin, or insulin resistance. Also called non-insulin dependent diabetes or previously adult onset diabetes) |
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Atheroma |
A plaque formed during atherosclerosis consisting of fatty deposits, smooth muscle and foam cells, and connective tissue |
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Atherosclerosis |
The progressive thickening of artery walls due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, smooth muscle and inflammatory cells, and fibrous connective tissue (i.e., plaque formation) |
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Cholesterol |
A lipid molecule composed of four-ring steroid structure |
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Coronary Arteries |
The main arteries and their branches that provide blood to the heart |
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Dyslipidemia |
An abnormality in the composition or abnormal amounts of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood |
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Embolism |
The blocking of an artery to due to a clot or other foreign material that originated from a different location and was carried by the circulatory system. |
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Endothelial Cells |
Cells of the endothelium. A sheet of cells lining internal cavities and tubes (e.g. blood vessels and the heart). |
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Foam Cell |
A swollen phagocytic cell (e.g. macrophage) filled with lipid inclusions and often accumulates in atheroscleortic plaques |
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HDL |
High Density Lipoprotein. A complex of proteins and lipids found in the blood and taken up by cells. Functions in reverse transport of cholesterol to the liver. Also known as the "good" cholesterol in that HDL levels are inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk. |
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Hyperlipidemia |
Excessively high levels of lipids (e.g. cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood |
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Infarction (or infarct) |
An area of necrosis due to local ischemia. The formation of an infarct. |
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Ischemia |
A deficiency of blood due to either a constriction or blockage of a blood vessel |
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LDL |
Low Density Lipoprotein. A complex of proteins and lipids found in the blood and taken up by cells. Serves as a mechanism to transport cholesterol and other lipids to the cells. Also known as "bad" cholesterol since high blood levels correlate with the formation of atheromas. |
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Lipoprotein |
A molecular complex of lipid and protein used to transport lipids in the circulatory system. Essentially all of the lipids in blood plasma are present as lipoprotein complexes. |
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Myocardial Infarction |
Heart Attack. Necrosis of the heart muscle due to ischemia. |
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Peripheral Vascular Disease |
A condition in which the arteries carrying blood to the arms or legs become narrowed or clogged |
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Plaque |
Any patch or flat area. See atheroma. |
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Statins |
A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the first enzyme in the pathway for cholesterol synthesis |
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Thrombosis |
Formation or presence of blood clot (thrombus) within a blood vessel |
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Triglyceride |
A lipid found in the blood and adipose tissue that functions in energy storage. A major component of body fat and dietary oils. |
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Aneurysm |
An abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel--especially an artery--resulting from weakening (as from disease) of the vessel wall |
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Blood Pressure |
The pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries, resulting from the contraction of the left ventricle, the resistance of the arterioles and capillaries, the elasticity of the arterial walls, and the viscosity and volume of the blood |
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Cardiac |
Of or pertaining to the heart |
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Cardiorenal Syndrome |
An umbrella term that defines disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby dysfunction in one organ may induce dysfunction of other other |
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Cerebrovascular |
Pertaining to blood vessels of the cerebellum (i.e. the Brain) |
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CKD |
Chronic Kidney Disease |
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Congestive Heart Failure |
Heart Failure in which the heart is unable to maintain an adequate circulation of blood in the bodily tissues resulting in weakness, edema, and shortness of breath. |
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CVD |
Cardiovascular Disease |
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Dialysis |
A medical process to remove toxins from the blood in cases of kidney failure |
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Diastolic |
Refers to the blood pressure after heart contraction as the chambers are refilling with blood |
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Embolism |
An obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets stuck while traveling through the bloodstream. (plural = emboli) |
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ESRD |
End Stage Renal Disease. Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation to treat. |
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Hypertension |
Abnormally high blood pressure |
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Intracerebral Hemmorhage |
Bleeding due to a ruptured blood vessel within the brain |
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Ischemic |
A deficiency of blood due to either a constriction or blockage of a blood vessel |
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Nephron |
The functional unit of the kidney composed of capillaries and tubules which filters blood to form urine |
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Primary Hypertension |
Hypertension in which no specific cause can be identified. Also called essential hypertension |
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Renal |
Pertaining to the kidney (an organ that regulates fluid balance in the body and filters out wastes from the blood in the form of urine) |
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Secondary Hypertension |
Hypertension due to a specific cause |
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Stroke |
Sudden brain damage (i.e. brain attack) due to lack of blood flow to the brain caused by either a clot (ischemic) or rupture of blood vessel (hemmorhagic) |
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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage |
Due to bleeding between the brain and the tissues surrounding the brain |
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Systolic |
Indicating maximum pressure that occurs during the contraction of the left ventricle of the heart |
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Thrombus |
A stationary blood clot along the wall of a blood vessel, frequently causing vascular obstruction (plural = thrombi) |
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t-PA |
Tissue Plasminogen Activator. An enzyme that helps dissolve blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin. |
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Transient Ischemic Attack |
A brief episode of neurologic dysfunction resulting from temporary cerebral ischemia not associated with cerebral infarction (i.e., stroke). Sufferers of TIA are at higher risk for experiencing a stroke. |
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Case-Control |
A type of epidemiological study in which subjects with a condition/disease (the cases) are compared to subjects without the condition/disease (the controls) to learn more about possible etiological factors |
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Gene Chip |
A piece of glass or plastic with an array of different single-stranded DNA reporters (or probes) that is used to detect specific nucleic acids in a sample |
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Genetic Linkage |
The co-inheritance of a genetic marker with a particular phenotype due to the affected gene either containing the marker or being physically close to the marker |
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GWAS |
Genome Wide Association Study. A test of associations between SNPs across a genome and a disease or trait using gene chip technology. |
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Haplotype |
A group of alleles of linked genes |
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HapMap Project |
Aims to develop a haplotype map (HapMap) of SNPs within the human genome |
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Linkage Disequilibrium |
The non-random association of alleles at two or more loci due to the proximity of the genes on a chromosome and the infrequency of recombination (i.e., crossing over) that occurs between the genes |
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Locus |
The physical location of a gene on a chromosome (plural = loci) |
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Mendelian Inheritance |
Genetic inheritance that follows the pattern first described by Gregor Mendel in 1865 involving traits determined primarily by single genes (e.g., autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, sex-linked) |
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Monogenic |
Refers to traits or diseases that are primarily due to a single gene |
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Penetrance |
The proportion of individuals carrying a particular variant of a gene (allele or genotype) that also express an associated trait (phenotype) |
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Polygenic |
Refers to traits or diseases that are due to multiple genes |
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SNP |
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Refers to nucleotide substitutions in a gene from different individuals of the same species. |
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SNP Array |
A type of DNA microarray (i.e., gene chip) which is used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms |
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Addiction |
A compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance, especially a drug, or behavior |
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Alveoli |
The small air sacs of the lungs (singular = alveolus) |
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Bronchitis |
Inflammation of the bronchi |
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Cirrhosis |
A chronic disease of the liver characterized by the replacement of normal tissue with scar tissue and the loss of functional liver cells often due to alcohol abuse |
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COPD |
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. |
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Delirium Tremens |
A withdrawal syndrome occurring in persons who have developed physiological dependence on alcohol, characterized by tremor, visual hallucinations, and autonomic instability |
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Dementia |
A deterioration of mental abilities, such as memory, attention span and reasoning, resulting from brain disease |
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Dependence |
See addiction |
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Dopamine |
A neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that helps regulate movement and emotion |
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Emphysema |
A disease characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue and destruction of structures supporting the alveoli |
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Mesolimbic Reward Pathway |
A proposed neurological pathway of the midbrain involving dopamine receptors that involves motivation and euphoria |
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Neurotransmitter |
Signaling molecules that are secreted by neurons (i.e. nerve cells) that affect the adjacent cell neurons |
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Nicotine |
An addictive compound from tobacco that was also used as an insecticide |
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Passive Smoking |
Refers to the inhalation of tobacco smoke by a non-smoker (second hand smoke) |
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Serotonin |
A neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of many functions including sleep, appetite, and mood |
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Tolerance |
The phenomenon of a decreased effect of a drug due to prior exposure resulting in the need for higher doses to have the same effect |
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Wernick-Korsakoff's Syndrome |
A severe memory disorder usually associated with chronic excessive alcohol consumption, although the direct cause is a deficiency in the B vitamin thiamin. |
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Withdrawal |
Refers to the feelings of discomfort, distress, and intense craving for a substance that occur when use of the substance is stopped. |
