Final answer:
The term that refers to the invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogens is infection. Infections result from the entry and multiplication of pathogens in the body, potentially leading to tissue damage and disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Invasion of Body Tissues by Pathogens
The term that refers to the invasion of body tissues by disease-causing pathogens is infection. An infection occurs when a pathogen enters the body and begins to multiply, potentially leading to tissue damage and illness. After exposure and adhesion, pathogens invade by disseminating through local tissues or the body. They can produce exoenzymes or toxins that serve as virulence factors, which allow them to colonize, cause damage to host tissues, and evade the immune system.
Pathogens enter through various portals of entry like the respiratory or digestive systems and can cause local, focal, or systemic infections. A local infection could be a boil caused by Staphylococcus aureus confined to a small area, while systemic infections could spread through the bloodstream, resulting in conditions like septicemia when bacteria are present and multiplying in the blood.
To prevent infections, barriers, like intact skin and mucous membranes, are essential. However, if these barriers are breached, infections can happen that may cause disease with signs and symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.