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Anatomy & Physiology of the Disease Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that causes infection in many of the human body's organ systems. It is caused mainly by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Tuberculosis is an airborne infection.

  1. Pulmonary Tuberculosis

    • Approximately 75 percent of tuberculosis cases are pulmonary. Tuberculosis infection occurs primarily in the upper part of the lower lobe or the lower part of the upper lobe of a lung.

    Urogenital tuberculosis

    • Urogenital tuberculosis is usually a secondary form of tuberculosis. The infection usually spreads from the lungs to the urogenital tract.

    Meningitis

    • Meningitis is one of the most serious complications of tuberculosis. It is most common in immunodeficient patients. This type of tuberculosis also is usually secondary.

    Tuberculous Spondylitis

    • Tuberculosis can infect the vertebral discs of the human spine. Thoracic vertebrae are most often affected. Tuberculous spondylitis can cause spinal damage by collapsing spinal discs.

    Cutaneous Tuberculosis

    • Cutaneous tuberculosis most often infects the skin of the hands and feet. It causes warty papules that grow slowly and may later exude pus and keratinous material. This type of tuberculosis can be primary or secondary.

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