Benign vs Malignant Tumors: Key Concepts

A type of cell death that is programmed and controlled by our genes.

The process of cells becoming more specialized and acquiring specialized functions during development.

A tumor that is confined to its original location and does not spread to other parts of the body.

A tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

A process where the cells in a tumor lose their specialized characteristics and become more similar to primitive cells.

The process of cell division and multiplication.

A condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ.

A group of symptoms commonly associated with inflammation, including redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function.

High levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can lead to high blood pressure.

A blood test that measures the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood. Elevated levels indicate inflammation.

A blood test which measures the sedimentation rate of red blood cells. Increased ESR suggests inflammation.

A decrease in the number of red blood cells, often a consequence of inflammation.

A state where the body's pH is too low (acidic) due to an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.

A state where the body's pH is too high (alkaline) due to an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.

A condition where the body's pH is too low (acidic) due to problems with the respiratory system (lungs).

A condition where the body's pH is too high (alkaline) due to problems with the respiratory system (lungs).

The process by which the body tries to correct an acid-base imbalance.

A condition characterized by a low blood sodium level (below 135 mEq/L).

A condition where the body cannot regulate water balance due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or the kidneys' inability to respond to it.

A condition characterized by the simultaneous involvement of five or more joints in the body by arthritis.

A structure formed by the immune system to contain and isolate foreign substances that cannot be easily removed. It typically contains lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and connective tissue.

Mature T lymphocytes (T cells) produced and developed in the thymus gland. They are crucial for recognizing and fighting off foreign invaders in the immune system.

The gland where T cells mature and learn to distinguish between self and foreign cells. Located in the mediastinum, it protects immature T cells from blood antigens.

Primary lymphoid tissues are responsible for generating immune cells. Bone marrow produces all blood cells, including B cells, while the thymus matures T cells.

Secondary lymphoid tissues are the sites where immune responses are initiated and carried out. Lymph nodes filter bacteria, the spleen stores immune cells, and lymphoid tissues like tonsils protect membranes.

A highly vascular organ responsible for removing aged and damaged red blood cells from circulation, playing a role in both immunity and red blood cell breakdown.

The body's initial response to stress, characterized by the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for 'fight or flight'.

The part of the autonomic nervous system that controls the 'fight or flight' response, releasing norepinephrine to increase heart rate and blood pressure.

A highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or contact with an infected person.

A condition characterized by narrowed arteries due to a buildup of plaque, often initiated by high blood sugar and inflammation.

A type of blood test that analyzes the cells in lymph nodes to determine the stage of breast cancer based on its spread.

Taking a sample of blood from the umbilical cord to test the baby's health and diagnose genetic disorders before birth.

A test used to diagnose aortic valve problems, especially in conjunction with ultrasound.

Calcification of the heart valves due to aging, contributing to hardening of the arteries.

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration without requiring energy.

A type of prenatal screening that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for genetic abnormalities.

A condition of low blood sugar levels, usually below 70 mg/dL. This occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose.

A serious complication of diabetes characterized by high blood glucose, dehydration, and an accumulation of ketones in the blood.

A condition associated with high blood glucose levels but without the presence of ketones.

A measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.

A measurement of the amount of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, which is a base that helps regulate blood pH.

A process by which the body compensates for an acid-base imbalance in one system by adjusting the other system.

A type of breathing characterized by deep, rapid breaths, often seen in metabolic acidosis.

A type of breathing characterized by shallow or labored breaths, often seen in respiratory acidosis.

A decrease in the normal pH of the blood, indicating acidosis.

An increase in the normal pH of the blood, indicating alkalosis.

The process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide via the lungs.

A measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration.