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Connective tissue disease
Connective tissue disease Connective tissue diseases are inflammatory multisystem diseases characterised by evidence of autoimmunity (e.g. antibodies to cellular components) in which there are often prominent signs of involvement of the joints and other parts of the locomotor system. e.g. SLE.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Autoimmunity
An immune response to "self" tissues or components. Such an immune response may have pathological consequences leading to autoimmune diseases.
Antibodies
Proteins produced by white blood cells. They confer immunity.
SLE
See 'Systemic lupus erythematosus'.
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Conn syndrome
Overproduction of the hormone aldosterone (pronounced al-do-ster-one) by a tumor that contains tissue resembling that normally present in the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland. The excess aldosterone results in a potassium level (hypokalemia), underacidity of the body (alkalosis), muscle weakness, excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Connecticut Children's Medical Center is a hospital in Hartford, Connecticut (USA).
Connectionism
A theory of information processing within cognitive science (the study of the mind). Connectionism is based upon the known neurophysiology of the brain.
Connective tissue
Fibrous tissue with a wide variety of connecting and supporting functions within and between body organs.
Conner Williams Nursing Home
The Conner Williams Nursing Home is a hospital in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, United States.
Connexin
A subunit of connexon, a protein that forms a gap junction, a channel that permits ions and small molecules to move between adjacent cells. The connexins are important to intercellular communication.
Connexon
"A special type of protein composed of an assembly of six subunits that are called connexins. A connexon of one cell is joined to that of an adjacent cell to form an intercellular channel consisting of 12 connexin subunits. Clusters of intercellular channels are known as a gap junction because of the minute extracellular ""gap"" that separates the apposed plasma membranes. Each intercellular channel provides an axial channel that interconnects the cytoplasm of the apposed cell directly and permits the passage of ion and other small molecules between adjacent cells."
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Chondromalacia patellae
A condition in which knee pain results from wear of the cartilage at the back of the kneecap (patella).
Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Vasculitic disorder with predominant pulmonary eosinophilia.
Collagen
At a microscopic level, this is the 'skeleton' of most tissues in the body.
Collagen disease
See 'Connective tissue disease'.
Colles fracture
Fracture of distal radius and ulna just proximal to the wrist.
Connective tissue disease
Corticosteroids
Sometimes referred to just as 'steroids'. Hormones (which occur naturally) which have a variety of actions when given therapeutically. Usually administered for their anti-inflammatory effect. Their use is limited by unwanted side-effects which may sometimes be serious.
COX
Prostaglandins can be of either COX-1 or COX-2 type. COX-2 are inflammatory and COX-1 are cytoprotective - e.g. to gastric mucosa.
Cranial arteritis
A vasculitic disorder which presents with head pain and scalp tenderness and a high ESR. Sudden loss of vision may occur due to retinal artery occlusion. Part of the polymyalgia rheumatica disease spectrum. Also known as giant cell or temporal arteritis.
C-reactive protein
A protein produced by the liver. An acute-phase reactant whose quantity serves as a guide to the presence and severity of inflammation.
Crepitus
Grating sensation or sound which may be appreciated on joint movement - signifies roughness of joint surfaces.
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