Introduction to Biology of Disease

Introduction to Biology of Disease

• Basic concepts of disease involve understanding definitions and classifications of diseases.
• Diseases can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed after birth).
• Normal homeostatic mechanisms can be disturbed, leading to various health issues.
• Primary causes of cell disorders include genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices.
• Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals or pollutants, can significantly impact health.
• Malnutrition results from inadequate or excessive food intake, leading to health complications.

Immunity and Disorders

• Immunity is the body’s ability to defend against pathogens; disorders can arise due to deficiencies or overreactions.
• Metabolic disorders encompass a range of conditions that disrupt normal metabolic processes.
• Accumulation of metabolites can cause toxicity within cells, resulting in clinical conditions.
• Intracellular and extracellular accumulations can occur due to trauma or dysfunction.

Toxins and Pathogens

• Toxins can be chemical (e.g., drugs, poisons) or biological (e.g., bacterial toxins) that adversely affect health.
• Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause diseases.
• Pathogenicity describes the ability of a pathogen to cause disease, influenced by its virulence factors.

Radiation Effects

• Chemical and biological effects of radiation at the cellular level can lead to mutations and cell death.
• Morphological changes at light and electron microscopic levels can reveal alterations in cell structure.
• Cellular responses to stress: Atrophy (decrease in cell size), Hyperplasia (increase in cell number), Hypertrophy (increase in cell size), and Aplasia (failure to develop).
• Oncogenesis is the process of tumor formation, indicating a breakdown in normal cellular regulation.

Inflammation and Repair

• Acute inflammation represents the immediate response to injury, while chronic inflammation is a prolonged response.
• Consequences of inflammation include organization (tissue repair), repair using fibrosis (scar formation), and various outcomes in specialized tissues.
• Natural defense mechanisms involve barriers (skin, mucous membranes) and immune responses.
• Pathogenic transmission of infection can occur via direct contact, droplets, vectors, or contaminated surfaces.
• Understanding immunity to infection is essential for managing bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts surrounding the biology of disease, including definitions and classifications. It explores the distinctions between congenital and acquired diseases, as well as the causes of cell disorders influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.