Introduction to Pathology

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Questions and Answers

A patient's biopsy report indicates a transformation of squamous epithelium into columnar epithelium in the lung tissue. Identify this cellular adaptation, and explain the likely cause in the context of the respiratory system?

The cellular adaptation is metaplasia. It is likely caused by chronic irritation or inflammation, such as from smoking, leading to the replacement of one cell type with another that is better able to withstand the new environment.

Differentiate between necrosis and apoptosis in terms of their mechanisms and the inflammatory response they elicit.

Necrosis is cell death due to external injury, characterized by cell swelling, rupture, and inflammation. Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a controlled process that does not cause inflammation and results in cell shrinkage and fragmentation.

A researcher is investigating a disease characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ. What is this pathological process called, and under what circumstances might it be considered physiological?

This process is called hyperplasia. It can be physiological during growth spurts (e.g., puberty) or in response to hormonal stimuli (e.g., breast enlargement during pregnancy).

Explain the roles of neutrophils and macrophages in the inflammatory response, and distinguish between their involvement in acute versus chronic inflammation.

Neutrophils are the primary cells involved in acute inflammation, responding rapidly to eliminate pathogens and debris. Macrophages are more prominent in chronic inflammation, where they phagocytose debris, present antigens, and release cytokines to sustain the inflammatory response. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the sequence of events that leads to scar formation during tissue repair, starting from the initial injury.

Following injury, inflammation occurs, followed by the formation of granulation tissue (new connective tissue and blood vessels). This granulation tissue matures and is eventually replaced by collagen, resulting in scar formation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between etiology and pathogenesis? Give an example to illustrate your answer.

Etiology refers to the cause of a disease, while pathogenesis describes the mechanisms of disease development. For example, the etiology of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while the pathogenesis involves the bacteria invading lung tissue, causing inflammation and granuloma formation. Signup and view all the answers

A heart muscle biopsy of a long-distance runner shows enlarged cardiomyocytes. Name and describe the cellular adaptation and explain how it benefits the athlete.

The cellular adaptation is hypertrophy, which is an increase in cell size. In this case, it benefits the athlete by increasing the contractile force of the heart, allowing for greater cardiac output during exercise. Signup and view all the answers

During an inflammatory response, several chemical mediators are released. Give two examples of these mediators and describe their specific roles.

Histamine, released by mast cells, causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. Prostaglandins, synthesized from arachidonic acid, contribute to pain, fever, and vasodilation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why scar formation, or fibrosis, occurs instead of regeneration in some tissue injuries.

Scar formation occurs when the tissue damage is too extensive, or the cells lack the capacity to regenerate. Collagen deposition replaces the original tissue structure. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key differences between Type I and Type IV hypersensitivity reactions, including the mechanisms and timing involved.

Type I is immediate hypersensitivity mediated by IgE antibodies and mast cell degranulation. Type IV is delayed-type hypersensitivity mediated by T cells. Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of metastasis contribute to the severity and prognosis of malignant tumors?

Metastasis allows cancer cells to spread from the primary tumor to distant sites, forming secondary tumors and complicating treatment. This reduces the chance of a full recovery. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key differences between chromosomal disorders, single-gene disorders and multifactorial disorders?

Chromosomal disorders involve abnormalities in chromosome number or structure, single-gene disorders involve mutations in a single gene, and multifactorial disorders involve interactions between genes and environment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the fundamental differences between viruses and bacteria, and give an example of a disease caused by each.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms, such as pneumonia, while viruses are infectious agents that replicate within host cells, such as influenza. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how chronic exposure to environmental toxins can lead to the development of cancer.

Chronic exposure to toxins can cause DNA damage and genetic mutations, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how atherosclerosis can lead to myocardial infarction and what pathological changes occur in the heart.

Atherosclerosis causes plaque buildup in arteries, leading to blockage and reduced blood flow to the heart. This results in ischemia, tissue damage and a heart attack. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key pathological differences between emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and how do these conditions contribute to COPD?

Emphysema involves the destruction of alveolar walls, while chronic bronchitis involves inflammation and excessive mucus production in the airways. This leads to chronic airflow limitation. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the pathological mechanisms underlying the development of peptic ulcers and the role of Helicobacter pylori.

H. pylori infection causes chronic inflammation, damaging the gastric mucosa and disrupting the balance between protective and aggressive factors, leading to ulcer formation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how diabetes mellitus can lead to diabetic nephropathy and describe the key pathological changes observed in the kidneys.

Hyperglycemia in diabetes causes glomerular damage, leading to proteinuria, inflammation, and fibrosis. This results in progressive loss of kidney function. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the underlying mechanisms and pathological features of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism involves excessive thyroid hormone production, leading to increased metabolism, while hypothyroidism involves deficient thyroid hormone production, leading to decreased metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the pathological processes that occur in the brain following a stroke and how these processes lead to neurological deficits.

Stroke causes interruption of blood flow, leading to ischemia and neuronal death. This results in inflammation and edema, causing neurological deficits. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the differences between leukemia and lymphoma, and describe the types of cells primarily affected in each condition.

Leukemia is cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, while lymphoma is cancer of lymphocytes in the lymphatic system. Different types of blood cells are affected. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main pathological features that differentiate basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma arises from basal cells, squamous cell carcinoma from squamous cells, and melanoma from melanocytes. Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer. Signup and view all the answers

How would one distinguish an infarct from an area of tissue that has undergone atrophy? Consider macroscopic and microscopic differences.

An infarct shows coagulative necrosis, inflammation and potentially hemorrhage macroscopically. Microscopically, you'd see loss of nuclei, cell architecture, and inflammatory cells. Atrophy shows a decrease in cell size and number, with possible fibrosis but without acute inflammation or necrosis. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pathology

Study of disease, linking science and medicine to understand causes, mechanisms, and extent of diseases for diagnosis and treatment.

Anatomical Pathology

Examination of tissues and organs at macroscopic and microscopic levels.