Key Terms for Disease (Part 3)

The term “disease” refers to any alteration of a body part’s structure or function. Often, diseases are medical conditions associated with a particular set of symptoms. The cause of a disease may be external, such as pathogens, or internal, such as dysfunctions. Take this quiz to learn the different terms associated with diseases.

  • Question of

    A condition that develops suddenly and is severe.

    • Acute
    • Benign
    • Chronic
    • Necrosis

    Correct Wrong

    An acute condition is one that develops suddenly and severely. Such conditions include everything from broken bones to asthma attacks.

  • Question of

    A form of tissue damage characterized by autolysis of living cells.

    • Necrosis
    • Sarcoma
    • Inflammation
    • Neoplasm

    Correct Wrong

    During necrosis, living cells are prematurely killed by autolysis and cause tissue damage. This is caused by factors outside the cells or tissues, such as infection, toxins, or trauma, which result in an unregulated digestion of the components.

  • Question of

    Find the root word.

    • Pyr/o
    • Lith/o
    • Onc/o
    • Path/o

    Correct Wrong

    Pyr/o, pyret/o denotes fever or fire. (E.g., pyretic)

  • Question of

    A major mechanism used by the body to remove pathogens and cell debris.

    • Phagocytosis
    • Necrosis
    • Inflammation
    • Disease

    Correct Wrong

    During phagocytosis, pathogens and debris in blood and tissue fluids are removed by the body. Among the main mechanisms of the innate immune system is phagocytosis. This process is one of the first ones to react to an infection and to the beginning of an adaptive immune response.

  • Question of

    Find the root word.

    • Lith/o
    • Carcin/o
    • Onc/o
    • Pyr/o

    Correct Wrong

    Lith denotes stone or calculus. (E.g., lithiasis)

  • Question of

    A life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection.

    • Sepsis
    • Malignancy
    • Carcinoma
    • Sarcoma

    Correct Wrong

    A life-threatening condition called sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection results in damage to its tissues and organs. It is followed by an immune system suppression.

  • Question of

    The result of an infection contracted in a hospital or health care facility.

    • Nosocomial
    • Idiopathic
    • Iatrogenic
    • Neoplasm

    Correct Wrong

    As the name indicates, nosocomial infections occur in hospitals and other health care facilities. It is sometimes instead called a healthcare-associated infection (HAI or HCAI) to emphasize its presence in both hospital and nonhospital settings. Nosocomial infections are most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli.

  • Question of

    Find the root word.

    • Onc/o
    • Path/o
    • Lith/o
    • Pyr/o

    Correct Wrong

    Onc/o denotes tumor. (E.g., oncolysis)

  • Question of

    Cancer begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

    • Carcinoma
    • Pathogen
    • Sarcoma
    • Cyst

    Correct Wrong

    Carcinoma is a cancer that develops from epithelial cells. In particular, a carcinoma arises from cells which originate in the endodermal, mesodermal, or ectodermal germ layers of the body during embryogenesis in a tissue that lines the inside or outside of the body.

  • Question of

    Also known as a tumor.

    • Neoplasm
    • Pus
    • Abscess
    • Sarcoma

    Correct Wrong

    Neoplasms are masses of tissue that form when cells grow and divide excessively or don't die when they should. A neoplasm may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

  • Question of

    An impairment of the normal function of the body.

    • Disease
    • Pathogen
    • Sepsis
    • Phagocytosis

    Correct Wrong

    Every condition that affects the ability of the body to function normally is known as a disease. As a result, diseases are characterized by dysfunction in the body's normal homeostatic processes.

  • Question of

    Find the root word.

    • Carcin/o
    • Pyr/o
    • Lith/o
    • Path/o

    Correct Wrong

    Carcin/o pertains to cancer. (E.g., carcinogen).