Pathology MPTH211: Cell Injury Basics

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'pathogenesis' refer to?

The factors causing disease

The signs and symptoms of a disease

The morphological changes observed in tissues

The mechanisms of disease development and progression (correct)

Which of the following is NOT considered a predisposing factor for disease?

Malnutrition

Cold weather

Infectious agents (correct)

Extremes of age

Which aspect of pathology refers to the observable characteristics that can be seen or measured?

Morphologic Changes (correct)

Prognosis

Etiology

Clinical Manifestations

What distinguishes a medical sign from a symptom?

Signs are observed by a physician, while symptoms are reported by patients. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'etiology' in pathology?

The causes and contributing factors for diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which type of changes does 'gross picture' in pathology specifically refer to?

Changes seen with the naked eye Signup and view all the answers

In the context of pathology, what is meant by 'complications'?

Unfavorable outcomes resulting from a disease Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the focus of the prognosis aspect of a disease?

Predictions regarding the disease's outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary result of reversible cell injury in cells?

Cellular swelling and fatty change Signup and view all the answers

What causes mitochondrial damage leading to cell injury?

ATP depletion Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism triggers apoptosis in cells?

Accumulation of damaged DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic appearance of the liver in fatty change due to cell injury?

Pale yellow and greasy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell injury is characterized by small, clear vacuoles within the cytoplasm?

Hydropic change Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of cell injury?

Excessive hydration Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the transition from reversible to irreversible cell injury?

Severe membrane rupture Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism primarily causes damage to cellular components through the influx of calcium?

Disruption of cellular ion balance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Objectives of Cell Injury Study

Understand general principles, terminology, and basic concepts of pathology.
Identify mechanisms and types of cell injury.
Enumerate causes of cell injury.
Describe morphological changes associated with cell injury.

Pathology Overview

Pathology investigates the nature, causes, effects, and consequences of diseases.
Key aspects include:
- Etiology or cause
- Pathogenesis
- Morphologic Changes
- Clinical Manifestations
- Prognosis
- Fate
- Complications

Etiology of Disease

Predisposing Factors: Cold weather, low socioeconomic status, malnutrition, extremes of age.
Determining Factors: Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi.
Physical Causes: Excess heat or cold, irradiation.
Chemical Causes: Concentrated acids, alkalis, toxins, drugs.
Genetic Factors: Chromosomal abnormalities leading to disease.
Immune-Mediated Factors: Hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases.

Pathogenesis

Refers to mechanisms of disease development and progression; chain of events leading to a disease.

Morphologic Changes

Gross Picture: Visible characteristics to the naked eye (macroscopic picture).
Microscopic Picture: Detailed histopathological examination.

Clinical Manifestations

Signs: Objective indications detected by a physician during physical examination.
Symptoms: Subjective experiences reported by patients, e.g., fatigue.
Complications: Unfavorable consequences of a disease, e.g., liver cirrhosis leading to liver cell failure.

Prognosis and Fate

Prognosis: Prediction of probable disease outcomes.
Fate: Final result of disease, may include cure, death, progression/regression, or complications.

Cell Injury Mechanisms

Occurs when cells are exposed to stress, leading to reversible or irreversible changes.
Causes include: genetic, physical, chemical, biological, hypoxia, nutritional, and immunological factors.

Mechanisms of Cell Injury

Mitochondrial Damage: Leads to ATP depletion and failure of energy-dependent cellular functions.
Calcium Influx: Activates enzymes that damage cellular components.
Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation: Modifies proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Increased Membrane Permeability: Affects plasma, lysosomal, and mitochondrial membranes.
Accumulation of Damaged DNA: Triggers apoptosis.

Reversible Cell Injury

Cellular Swelling: Also known as hydropic change, characterized by:
- Failure of ion pumps in plasma membrane.
- Inability to maintain ionic and fluid homeostasis.
- Microscopic examination reveals small, clear vacuoles in cytoplasm.
Fatty Change (Steatosis):
- Occurs during hypoxic or metabolic injuries.
- Characterized by presence of lipid vacuoles in cells (especially hepatocytes).
- Gross appearance includes enlarged, yellow liver with pale yellow, greasy cut surfaces.

Irreversible Cell Injury

Develops from severe damage after a phase of reversible cell injury.
Main causes of cell death include:
- Membrane rupture.
- Autolysis by lysosomal enzymes.
Example: Normal kidney tubules exhibit viable epithelial cells, whereas damaged cells progress towards death.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and mechanisms of cell injury in this Level 3 Pathology course. This quiz focuses on the general principles and terminology that are critical for understanding pathology. Prepare to identify different types and causes of cell injury.