Microbiology and Pathology
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Mortuary Science course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aerotolerance refers to the ability of certain microorganisms to survive and gro… #
Related terms include aerobe and anaerobe, which describe microorganisms that require oxygen to grow and those that do not, respectively. Aerotolerance is significant in the context of mortuary science, as it can impact the growth and spread of microorganisms in deceased individuals.
Acid Fast Stain is a type of stain used in microbiology to identif… #
The stain is commonly used in pathology laboratories to diagnose infections caused by acid-fast bacteria. Related terms include Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Kinyoun stain, which are other types of acid-fast stains.
Actinomycetes are a group of bacteria that are characterized by their bra… #
They are commonly found in soil and are known to cause a range of diseases, including actinomycosis. Related terms include Nocardia and Streptomyces, which are genera of actinomycetes that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Adenovirus is a type of virus that is commonly found in humans and animal… #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis. Related terms include adenovirus infection and adenovirus vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Aerobe is a type of microorganism that requires oxygen to grow #
Aerobes are commonly found in environments where oxygen is present, such as in the air and in aerobic soils. Related terms include anaerobe and facultative anaerobe, which describe microorganisms that do not require oxygen to grow and those that can grow with or without oxygen, respectively.
Agar is a type of gel used in microbiology to grow microorganisms #
It is commonly used in pathology laboratories to isolate and identify microorganisms. Related terms include agar plate and agar gel, which describe the medium used to grow microorganisms and the gel-like substance used to solidify the medium, respectively.
Agglutination is a type of reaction that occurs when antibodies bind to a… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose infections and to identify microorganisms. Related terms include agglutinin and agglutination test, which describe the antibody that causes agglutination and the test used to detect it, respectively.
AIDS is a type of disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV… #
It is characterized by a range of symptoms, including immune deficiency and increased susceptibility to infections. Related terms include HIV and HIV infection, which describe the virus that causes AIDS and the disease caused by the virus, respectively.
Algae are a group of organisms that are characterized by their ability to… #
They are commonly found in aquatic environments and are known to cause a range of diseases, including algae-related illnesses. Related terms include algae bloom and algae toxin, which describe the rapid growth of algae and the toxins produced by algae, respectively.
Allergy is a type of reaction that occurs when the immune system overreac… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Related terms include allergen and allergic reaction, which describe the substance that causes an allergy and the reaction that occurs in response to it, respectively.
Amoeba is a type of protozoan that is characterized by its ability to mov… #
It is commonly found in aquatic environments and is known to cause a range of diseases, including amoebiasis. Related terms include Entamoeba and Naegleria, which are genera of amoebae that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Anaerobe is a type of microorganism that does not require oxygen to grow #
Anaerobes are commonly found in environments where oxygen is absent, such as in deep soil and in the gastrointestinal tract. Related terms include aerobe and facultative anaerobe, which describe microorganisms that require oxygen to grow and those that can grow with or without oxygen, respectively.
Anaphylaxis is a type of reaction that occurs when the immune system over… #
Related terms include anaphylactic shock and anaphylactic reaction, which describe the severe reaction that occurs in response to an allergen and the reaction that occurs in response to it, respectively.
Antibiotic is a type of drug that is used to treat infections caused by m… #
It is commonly used in pathology to treat a range of diseases, including bacterial and fungal infections. Related terms include antibiotic resistance and antibiotic sensitivity, which describe the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics and the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics, respectively.
Antibody is a type of protein that is produced by the immune system in re… #
Related terms include antigen and antibody test, which describe the substance that triggers the production of antibodies and the test used to detect antibodies, respectively.
Antigen is a type of substance that triggers the production of antibodies… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of reactions, including immune responses and allergic reactions. Related terms include antibody and antigen test, which describe the protein that is produced in response to an antigen and the test used to detect antigens, respectively.
Antiseptic is a type of substance that is used to prevent the growth of m… #
It is commonly used in pathology to prevent the spread of infections and to promote wound healing. Related terms include antiseptic solution and antiseptic cream, which describe the liquid and topical forms of antiseptics, respectively.
Apoptosis is a type of process that occurs when cells die in response to… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include programmed cell death and apoptosis inhibitor, which describe the process by which cells die in response to signals from the immune system and the substance that prevents apoptosis, respectively.
Arbovirus is a type of virus that is transmitted by arthropods, such as m… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of diseases, including encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever. Related terms include arbovirus infection and arbovirus vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Aspergillus is a type of fungus that is commonly found in the environment #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Related terms include Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, which are species of Aspergillus that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Autoclave is a type of device that is used to sterilize equipment and sup… #
It is commonly used in pathology to prevent the spread of infections and to promote asepsis. Related terms include autoclaving and autoclave sterilization, which describe the process of sterilizing equipment and supplies using an autoclave and the method of sterilization used, respectively.
Autolysis is a type of process that occurs when cells break down and die #
Related terms include self-digestion and autolytic enzyme, which describe the process by which cells break down and die and the enzyme that promotes autolysis, respectively.
Bacteria are a group of microorganisms that are characterized by their pr… #
They are commonly found in the environment and are known to cause a range of diseases, including bacterial infections and sepsis. Related terms include bacterium and bacterial infection, which describe a single bacterium and the disease caused by bacteria, respectively.
Bactericide is a type of substance that is used to kill bacteria #
Related terms include bactericidal agent and bactericidal activity, which describe the substance that kills bacteria and the ability of a substance to kill bacteria, respectively.
Bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria #
It is commonly used in pathology to treat bacterial infections and to promote asepsis. Related terms include bacteriophage therapy and bacteriophage treatment, which describe the use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections and the method of treatment used, respectively.
Bacteriostatic is a type of substance that is used to inhibit the growth… #
Related terms include bacteriostatic agent and bacteriostatic activity, which describe the substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria and the ability of a substance to inhibit the growth of bacteria, respectively.
Biofilm is a type of community of microorganisms that is characterized by… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of diseases, including device-related infections and chronic infections. Related terms include biofilm formation and biofilm inhibitor, which describe the process by which biofilms form and the substance that prevents biofilm formation, respectively.
Biopsy is a type of procedure that involves the removal of tissue from th… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose diseases and to monitor treatment. Related terms include biopsy specimen and biopsy result, which describe the tissue removed from the body and the result of the examination, respectively.
Blood Bank is a type of facility that is used to store and distribute blo… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and is used to provide blood and blood products for transfusions. Related terms include blood donation and blood transfusion, which describe the process of donating blood and the transfer of blood from one individual to another, respectively.
Blood Culture is a type of test that involves the growth of microorganism… #
Related terms include blood culture medium and blood culture result, which describe the substance used to grow microorganisms and the result of the test, respectively.
Bone Marrow is a type of tissue that is found in the bones and is respons… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be affected by a range of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow transplant, which describe the removal of tissue from the bone marrow and the transfer of bone marrow from one individual to another, respectively.
Bronchoscopy is a type of procedure that involves the examination of the… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose diseases of the lungs and airways. Related terms include bronchoscope and bronchoscopy result, which describe the instrument used to examine the airways and the result of the examination, respectively.
Candida is a type of fungus that is commonly found in the environment #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including candidiasis and thrush. Related terms include Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, which are species of Candida that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Capsule is a type of structure that is found on the surface of some micro… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can play a role in the ability of microorganisms to cause disease. Related terms include capsular polysaccharide and capsular antigen, which describe the substance that makes up the capsule and the antigen that is found on the surface of the capsule, respectively.
Carbapenem is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat infections cause… #
It is commonly used in pathology to treat a range of diseases, including sepsis and pneumonia. Related terms include carbapenem resistance and carbapenem-sensitive, which describe the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of carbapenems and the susceptibility of microorganisms to carbapenems, respectively.
Case Control Study is a type of study that involves the comparison of ind… #
It is commonly used in pathology to identify risk factors for diseases and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Related terms include case control design and case control analysis, which describe the design of the study and the analysis of the data, respectively.
Catheter is a type of device that is used to drain fluids from the body o… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be a source of infection. Related terms include catheter-associated infection and catheter-related complication, which describe the infection that occurs as a result of the use of a catheter and the complication that occurs as a result of the use of a catheter, respectively.
Cell Culture is a type of technique that involves the growth of cells in… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose diseases and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Related terms include cell culture medium and cell culture result, which describe the substance used to grow cells and the result of the test, respectively.
Cellulitis is a type of disease that is characterized by inflammation of… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Related terms include cellulitis treatment and cellulitis complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the disease and the complication that occurs as a result of the disease, respectively.
Cephalosporin is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat infections ca… #
Related terms include cephalosporin resistance and cephalosporin-sensitive, which describe the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of cephalosporins and the susceptibility of microorganisms to cephalosporins, respectively.
Cervical Smear is a type of test that involves the examination of cells f… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose cervical cancer and to monitor treatment. Related terms include cervical smear result and cervical smear abnormality, which describe the result of the test and the abnormality that is detected, respectively.
Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that involves the use of chemicals to… #
It is commonly used in pathology to treat a range of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include chemotherapy regimen and chemotherapy side effect, which describe the treatment plan and the side effect that occurs as a result of the treatment, respectively.
Chlamydia is a type of bacterium that is commonly found in the environmen… #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including chlamydia infection and trachoma. Related terms include Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae, which are species of Chlamydia that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Chronic Disease is a type of disease that is characterized by its long #
term nature. It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of factors, including genetic and environmental factors. Related terms include chronic disease management and chronic disease complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the disease and the complication that occurs as a result of the disease, respectively.
Clinical Trial is a type of study that involves the evaluation of a new t… #
It is commonly used in pathology to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and to identify new treatments. Related terms include clinical trial design and clinical trial result, which describe the design of the study and the result of the study, respectively.
Clostridium is a type of bacterium that is commonly found in the environm… #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including botulism and tetanus. Related terms include Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani, which are species of Clostridium that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Coagulase is a type of enzyme that is produced by some microorganisms, in… #
Related terms include coagulase test and coagulase-positive, which describe the test used to detect coagulase and the microorganism that produces coagulase, respectively.
Colonoscopy is a type of procedure that involves the examination of the c… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose diseases of the colon and to monitor treatment. Related terms include colonoscope and colonoscopy result, which describe the instrument used to examine the colon and the result of the examination, respectively.
Commensal is a type of relationship that occurs between two organisms, in… #
Related terms include commensalism and commensal organism, which describe the relationship between two organisms and the organism that benefits from the relationship, respectively.
Complement is a type of system that is part of the immune system and help… #
Related terms include complement system and complement activation, which describe the system that helps to defend against infections and the process by which the complement system is activated, respectively.
Contagious Disease is a type of disease that can be spread from one indiv… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of factors, including microorganisms and environmental factors. Related terms include contagious disease transmission and contagious disease prevention, which describe the spread of the disease and the measures used to prevent the spread of the disease, respectively.
Cryopreservation is a type of technique that involves the preservation of… #
It is commonly used in pathology to preserve cells and tissues for future use. Related terms include cryopreservation medium and cryopreservation result, which describe the substance used to preserve cells and tissues and the result of the preservation, respectively.
Cyst is a type of structure that is found on the surface of some microorg… #
Related terms include cyst wall and cyst content, which describe the outer layer of the cyst and the material found inside the cyst, respectively.
Cytokine is a type of protein that is produced by the immune system and h… #
Related terms include cytokine production and cytokine response, which describe the process by which cytokines are produced and the response of the immune system to cytokines, respectively.
Cytology is a type of study that involves the examination of cells to dia… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose a range of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include cytology test and cytology result, which describe the test used to examine cells and the result of the test, respectively.
Cytomegalovirus is a type of virus that is commonly found in humans #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including cytomegalovirus infection and congenital cytomegalovirus disease. Related terms include cytomegalovirus infection and cytomegalovirus vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Cytotoxicity is a type of effect that occurs when a substance is toxic to… #
Related terms include cytotoxic agent and cytotoxic effect, which describe the substance that is toxic to cells and the effect of the substance on cells, respectively.
Dendritic Cell is a type of cell that is part of the immune system and he… #
Related terms include dendritic cell maturation and dendritic cell activation, which describe the process by which dendritic cells mature and the process by which dendritic cells are activated, respectively.
Diagnosis is a type of process that involves the identification of a dise… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose a range of diseases, including infections and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include diagnostic test and diagnostic result, which describe the test used to diagnose a disease and the result of the test, respectively.
Disinfectant is a type of substance that is used to kill microorganisms #
Related terms include disinfectant solution and disinfectant spray, which describe the liquid and spray forms of disinfectants, respectively.
DNA is a type of molecule that contains the genetic instructions for an o… #
Related terms include DNA replication and DNA transcription, which describe the process by which DNA is replicated and the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, respectively.
Echinocandin is a type of antifungal that is used to treat infections cau… #
It is commonly used in pathology to treat a range of diseases, including candidiasis and aspergillosis. Related terms include echinocandin resistance and echinocandin-sensitive, which describe the ability of fungi to resist the effects of echinocandins and the susceptibility of fungi to echinocandins, respectively.
ELISA is a type of test that involves the detection of antibodies or anti… #
Related terms include ELISA test and ELISA result, which describe the test used to detect antibodies or antigens and the result of the test, respectively.
Embryology is a type of study that involves the examination of the develo… #
It is commonly used in pathology to understand the development of diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Related terms include embryology test and embryology result, which describe the test used to examine embryos and the result of the test, respectively.
Endocarditis is a type of disease that is characterized by inflammation o… #
Related terms include endocarditis treatment and endocarditis complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the disease and the complication that occurs as a result of the disease, respectively.
Endotoxin is a type of substance that is produced by some microorganisms,… #
Related terms include endotoxin test and endotoxin-positive, which describe the test used to detect endotoxin and the microorganism that produces endotoxin, respectively.
Enterococcus is a type of bacterium that is commonly found in the environ… #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including enterococcal infection and urinary tract infection. Related terms include Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, which are species of Enterococcus that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Enviromental Health is a type of study that involves the examination of t… #
It is commonly used in pathology to understand the role of environmental factors in the development of diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Related terms include environmental health test and environmental health result, which describe the test used to examine environmental factors and the result of the test, respectively.
Enzyme is a type of protein that is produced by the body and helps to cat… #
Related terms include enzyme production and enzyme activity, which describe the process by which enzymes are produced and the ability of enzymes to catalyze chemical reactions, respectively.
Epidemiology is a type of study that involves the examination of the dist… #
It is commonly used in pathology to understand the spread of diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Related terms include epidemiology test and epidemiology result, which describe the test used to examine the distribution and determinants of diseases and the result of the test, respectively.
Epstein #
Barr Virus is a type of virus that is commonly found in humans. It is known to cause a range of diseases, including infectious mononucleosis and Burkitt lymphoma. Related terms include Epstein-Barr virus infection and Epstein-Barr virus vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Erythrocyte is a type of cell that is responsible for carrying oxygen in… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be affected by a range of diseases, including anemia and blood disorders. Related terms include erythrocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which describe the number of erythrocytes in the blood and the rate at which erythrocytes settle, respectively.
Escherichia is a type of bacterium that is commonly found in the environm… #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including urinary tract infection and sepsis. Related terms include Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli infection, which describe the species of Escherichia that is commonly encountered in pathology and the disease caused by the bacterium, respectively.
Exotoxin is a type of substance that is produced by some microorganisms,… #
Related terms include exotoxin test and exotoxin-positive, which describe the test used to detect exotoxin and the microorganism that produces exotoxin, respectively.
Fluorescence is a type of phenomenon that occurs when a substance emits l… #
Related terms include fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, which describe the technique used to examine the fluorescence of substances and the technique used to measure the fluorescence of substances, respectively.
Fungus is a type of organism that is characterized by its ability to obta… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can cause a range of diseases, including fungal infections and allergies. Related terms include fungal infection and fungal disease, which describe the disease caused by fungi and the condition caused by fungi, respectively.
Gastroenteritis is a type of disease that is characterized by inflammatio… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Related terms include gastroenteritis treatment and gastroenteritis complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the disease and the complication that occurs as a result of the disease, respectively.
Gene is a type of unit of heredity that is responsible for the transmissi… #
Related terms include gene expression and gene regulation, which describe the process by which genes are expressed and the process by which genes are regulated, respectively.
Genomics is a type of study that involves the examination of the structur… #
It is commonly used in pathology to understand the role of genes in the development of diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Related terms include genomics test and genomics result, which describe the test used to examine the structure and function of genes and the result of the test, respectively.
Giardia is a type of protozoan that is commonly found in the environment #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including giardiasis and intestinal infection. Related terms include Giardia lamblia and Giardia intestinalis, which are species of Giardia that are commonly encountered in pathology.
Glycoprotein is a type of protein that is characterized by its attachment… #
Related terms include glycoprotein production and glycoprotein function, which describe the process by which glycoproteins are produced and the function of glycoproteins, respectively.
Hematology is a type of study that involves the examination of the blood… #
It is commonly used in pathology to diagnose a range of diseases, including blood disorders and cancer. Related terms include hematology test and hematology result, which describe the test used to examine the blood and blood-forming organs and the result of the test, respectively.
Hepatitis is a type of disease that is characterized by inflammation of t… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. Related terms include hepatitis treatment and hepatitis complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the disease and the complication that occurs as a result of the disease, respectively.
Herpesvirus is a type of virus that is commonly found in humans #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Related terms include herpesvirus infection and herpesvirus vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Histology is a type of study that involves the examination of the structu… #
Related terms include histology test and histology result, which describe the test used to examine the structure of tissues and the result of the test, respectively.
Histopathology is a type of study that involves the examination of the st… #
Related terms include histopathology test and histopathology result, which describe the test used to examine the structure of tissues and the result of the test, respectively.
HIV is a type of virus that is commonly found in humans #
It is known to cause a range of diseases, including AIDS and HIV infection. Related terms include HIV infection and HIV vaccine, which describe the disease caused by the virus and the vaccine used to prevent it, respectively.
Hybridoma is a type of cell that is produced by the fusion of two cells,… #
It is commonly used in pathology to produce antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Related terms include hybridoma technology and hybridoma production, which describe the technique used to produce hybridomas and the process by which hybridomas are produced, respectively.
Immune System is a type of system that is responsible for defending the b… #
Related terms include immune response and immune function, which describe the reaction of the immune system to a pathogen and the ability of the immune system to defend against infections, respectively.
Immunization is a type of process that involves the use of vaccines to pr… #
It is commonly used in pathology to prevent a range of diseases, including infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Related terms include immunization schedule and immunization result, which describe the plan for administering vaccines and the outcome of immunization, respectively.
Immunofluorescence is a type of technique that involves the use of fluore… #
Related terms include immunofluorescence test and immunofluorescence result, which describe the test used to detect antibodies or antigens and the result of the test, respectively.
Immunoglobulin is a type of protein that is produced by the immune system… #
Related terms include immunoglobulin production and immunoglobulin function, which describe the process by which immunoglobulins are produced and the function of immunoglobulins, respectively.
Immunohistochemistry is a type of technique that involves the use of anti… #
Related terms include immunohistochemistry test and immunohistochemistry result, which describe the test used to detect antigens and the result of the test, respectively.
Immunology is a type of study that involves the examination of the immune… #
It is commonly used in pathology to understand the role of the immune system in the development of diseases and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Related terms include immunology test and immunology result, which describe the test used to examine the immune system and the result of the test, respectively.
Immunosuppression is a type of condition that occurs when the immune syst… #
Related terms include immunosuppression therapy and immunosuppression complication, which describe the treatment used to manage the condition and the complication that occurs as a result of the condition, respectively.
Infection is a type of disease that occurs when a microorganism enters th… #
It is commonly encountered in pathology and can be caused by a range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.