Pathology · Nervous System · Medium
Botulism
Meaning: Paralytic illness caused by a bacterial toxin that blocks acetylcholine release.
In practice: Descending weakness beginning with eye and swallowing muscles may follow contaminated food.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Benign growth of blood vessels, often appearing as a raised red lesion in infancy.
Answer: Haemangioma
Which word means: Scarring of the liver that impairs its function, often from alcohol or hepatitis.
Answer: Cirrhosis
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