 Endomorph- Heavy rounded physique characterized by large accumulations of fat in the trunk and thighs.  Mesomorph -Muscular physique  Ectomorph - thin fragile physique characterized by little body fat accumulation.

 Individuals (especially endomorphs) who have a large waist size and are “apple- shaped” (fattest in the abdomen) have a greater risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes than a “pear shaped” distribution with fat in hip, buttocks and thighs.  Endomorphs with pear or apple shape develop more disease than meso or ectomorph with a similar shape.

 Homeostasis- a relatively constant state maintained by the body.  The smallest functional unit of the body is the cell.  Cells that have a similar function come together to make a tissue.  Tissues grouped together create organs  Organs function together to make organ systems  Organ systems function together to create the organism

 Pathology - the study of disease.  Signs- objective abnormalities that can be measured.  Symptoms -subjective abnormalities felt by the patient.  Syndrome - Collection of signs and symptoms that occur together.

 If signs and symptoms appears suddenly and last a short period of time the disease is acute.  If the conditions last a long time, possibly the entire life of the individual the disease is chronic.

 Etiology - Study of all the factors involved in a disease. The etiology of a skin infection involves a cut or abrasion followed by a subsequent invasion and growth of a bacterial colony.  A disease with an undetermined cause are said to be idiopathic.  Communicable diseases are those that can be transmitted from person to person.  Etiology refers to the theory of a disease cause.

 PATHOGENESIS is the actual pattern of a disease development Ie. The common cold starts with a latent or “hidden” stage in which the virus establishes itself in the patient. No signs are evident this is the incubation period.  After an infection runs its course there is a recovery period called a convalescence where the body returns to normal.  In a chronic disease such as cancer this period is called REMISSION.

 Epidemiology- study of the occurrence, distribution and transmission of disease in human populations.

 Disease native to a local region is called and endemic disease.  If the disease spreads to many individuals at the same time, it is an epidemic.  Pandemics are epidemic s that affect a large geographic region, may be worldwide.  ie. The flu

 1. Genetic Factors  2. Age  3. Lifestyle  4. Stress  5. Environment  6. Microorganisms  7. Pre-existing conditions

1. Genetic Mechanisms 2. Pathogenic Organisms -parasites, viruses, fungi, protozoans, insects/worms, bacteria - prions (protein infectious particles) proteins converting normal proteins in the brain into abnormally functioning proteins. This is seen in BSE or mad cow disease.

 Tumors and Cancer  4. Physical and chemical agents  5. Malnutrition  6. Autoimmunity

 7. Inflammation  8. Degeneration- Tissues sometimes break apart or degenerate. Normal consequence of aging.