Medical Biology for Entrance Exams

 Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism.

An abscess is a localized collection of pus that forms in tissues, organs, or spaces within the body due to infection. It typically develops as the immune system responds to bacterial infection, sending white blood cells to the site which then accumulate as pus. Lesion refers to any abnormal tissue change, inflammation is the body's response to injury/infection, and oedema is fluid swelling - none specifically mean pus collection.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids).

A gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth that is a characteristic lesion of the tertiary stage of syphilis.

Haemophilus ducreyi is the bacterium responsible for causing chancroid, a sexually transmitted disease characterized by painful genital ulcers.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a living host cell to replicate, which is described as absolute parasitism.

The Islets of Langerhans are regions of the pancreas that contain its endocrine (hormone-producing) cells, such as alpha and beta cells.

Ornidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication commonly used to treat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, including amoebic dysentery.

Wuchereria bancrofti is a parasitic roundworm that causes lymphatic filariasis, which can lead to the condition known as elephantiasis.

The mitral valve, also called the bicuspid valve, separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. It prevents backflow of oxygenated blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts. The tricuspid valve is on the right side, and the aortic valve separates the left ventricle from the aorta.

Arthritis is the general term for inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness.

West Nile fever is a viral infection primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is not spread through air or water.

Hemiplegia refers specifically to paralysis affecting one side of the body. Paraplegia affects the lower half, monoplegia affects one limb, and quadriplegia affects all four limbs.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis. The central and peripheral systems are broader categories that include both voluntary and involuntary control.

Aphasia is the medical term for a language disorder that results in the loss of the ability to speak or understand speech. Anorexia refers to loss of appetite, polyphagia to excessive hunger, and dystonia to muscle contractions.

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is a common sexually transmitted infection.

Rose spots are a characteristic rash associated with typhoid fever, typically appearing on the trunk during the second week of the illness.

Haemochromatosis is a condition of excessive iron absorption leading to iron accumulation in organs, causing damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas. It can be hereditary (genetic) or acquired. The condition results from increased intestinal iron absorption and can lead to organ failure if untreated.

Cellular immunity (T-cell mediated) is crucial for intracellular pathogens like bacteria (Tuberculosis, Leprosy) and viruses (AIDS). Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite where humoral immunity (antibodies) plays a more significant role in the initial response to the blood-stage infection.

The sand fly is the primary vector for the protozoan parasite Leishmania, which causes Leishmaniasis. Malaria is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, and Dengue/Chikungunya are spread by Aedes mosquitoes.

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used to lower uric acid levels in the blood, making it the standard treatment for gout. It is not used for filaria, malaria, or tuberculosis.

Oropharyngeal thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans.

Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder, typically caused by a bacterial infection.

IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the human serum, accounting for approximately 75-80% of all antibodies.

Menopause is the biological process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years and the permanent cessation of menstruation. Menorrhagia is heavy bleeding, and enuresis is bedwetting.