Cellular Adaptations in Pathology

The accumulation of triglycerides inside cells, often seen in the liver, heart, or kidneys. Causes include alcohol, diabetes, malnutrition, obesity, and poisonings.

A pigment found in the skin produced by melanocytes. Increased melanin causes tanning and some diseases, while decreased melanin leads to albinism or vitiligo.

A yellowish pigment produced during hemoglobin degradation. Excess bilirubin causes jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the eyes, mucous membranes, and internal organs.

An iron-containing pigment derived from ferritin, normally found in macrophages of the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. Excess hemosiderin accumulates in tissues due to certain diseases.

A form of cell death where excess fluid enters the cell, causing swelling and rupture of the cell membrane.

A process in dead organisms where cells are broken down by their own enzymes.

A process in dead organisms where cells are broken down by enzymes from external sources.

Lack of oxygen to cells, which can lead to cell damage and death.

Harmful molecules that can damage cell membranes and other cellular components.

Damage to the cell membrane, which can lead to leakage of cell contents and death.

The ability of cells to adjust their structure and function in response to changes in their environment or stressors.

An increase in the size of cells due to increased workload, leading to increased protein synthesis and larger organelles.

An increase in the number of cells, often caused by hormonal stimulation, leading to an increase in organ size.

A decrease in the size of a cell, often caused by disuse, malnutrition, or decreased endocrine stimulation.

The replacement of one differentiated tissue by another differentiated tissue. It can be normal or occur in response to chronic irritation.

A type of metaplasia where columnar epithelium is replaced by squamous epithelium, often seen in smokers.

A type of metaplasia where connective tissue is replaced by bone, often occurring at injury sites.

A programmed cell death that is a normal part of development and tissue turnover. It's characterized by cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic bodies.

The process of cell injury that can be reversed if the stressor is removed. It involves changes like cellular swelling and fatty change.

Necrosis is a form of cell death that occurs when cells are injured beyond repair and undergo a series of biochemical changes that lead to their breakdown and death.

Coagulative necrosis is a type of necrosis that involves the preservation of the general tissue architecture, characterized by the coagulation of proteins. It commonly occurs due to ischemia (lack of blood supply) to an organ.

Liquefactive necrosis is a type of necrosis characterized by the digestion of tissue, leading to the formation of a soft, liquid mass. It often occurs in the brain and in areas of bacterial infection.

Fat necrosis is a type of necrosis that specifically affects fat tissue. It occurs when enzymes, often from pancreatitis, break down fat cells, resulting in a chalky, white appearance.

Caseous necrosis is a type of necrosis characterized by a cheese-like (caseous) appearance. It is commonly associated with tuberculosis infections.

Gangrenous necrosis is a type of necrosis that occurs in tissues with limited blood supply, often affecting the extremities and bowel. It can be classified as wet or dry depending on the presence of bacterial infection.

Pyknosis is a nuclear change that happens during necrosis, where the chromatin in the nucleus condenses and shrinks, appearing more dense and darker under a microscope.

Karyorrhexis is a nuclear change characterized by the fragmentation of the chromatin material within the nucleus, leading to a scattered appearance under a microscope.

Karyolysis is a nuclear change characterized by the complete dissolution of the chromatin material within the nucleus, leaving behind a pale and indistinct appearance.

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death that is tightly regulated and plays a vital role in normal development, tissue turnover, and removing damaged or unwanted cells. It is a more controlled and organized process compared to necrosis.