Human Health and Disease — Flashcards

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Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Good health supports efficiency, productivity, and overall well-being.

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Disease is a malfunctioning of body organs or body systems that interrupts normal structure and function. It is usually identified by a set of signs and symptoms.

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Communicable diseases spread from an infected person to a healthy person by direct or indirect contact. Non-communicable diseases do not spread from person to person and usually arise from organ malfu…

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Incubation period is the time between entry of a pathogen into the body and the appearance of symptoms. It may last from a few hours to several months depending on the disease.

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Direct transmission occurs without any intermediate agent. It happens through direct contact, droplet infection, injuries, animal bites, blood and blood products, and through placenta.

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The main portals of entry are skin through inoculation, respiratory tract through inhalation, digestive tract through ingestion, and urino-genital tract through contact.

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Skin acts as a physical barrier that prevents entry of microorganisms and harmful substances. It is the first line of defence of the body and helps block infection before it starts.

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Phagocytic cells such as macrophages and neutrophils engulf and destroy invading pathogens. They form an important non-specific cellular defence when pathogens cross the body’s surface barriers.