Pathology Overview and Cellular Adaptation

Which of the following is NOT considered a true adaptation?

Genetic variations associated with diseases are typically found in coding protein regions of the genome.

What is considered when discussing atrophy in the context of pathology?

How does diminished blood supply affect cells?

What is the process called when a cell type changes to another to adapt?

In patients with strokes affecting the left side, which bodily change might occur?

Pathology

The study of disease and suffering
Cellular changes are caused by alterations in molecules such as genes, proteins, and others
These alterations occur in non-coding protein regions of the genome.
The study of pathology can be seen as physiology x physiology x physiology.

Cellular Adaptation

Atrophy is a decrease in cell size due to a decreased workload, loss of innervation, diminished blood supply, or loss of endocrine stimulation
- Example: Muscle atrophy can occur after a week of heavy lifting followed by a month of inactivity.
- Stroke patients often experience atrophy on the left side of their body due to neurological damage.
Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size as a result of increased workload.
Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.
Metaplasia is a change from one cell type to another.
- Example: Columnar cells in the lungs of smokers can change to squamous cells.
Myositis ossificans is a bone formation in muscle, a repair mechanism, not considered a true adaptation

This quiz explores the fundamentals of pathology, focusing on disease mechanisms and cellular adaptations. Key concepts such as atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and metaplasia are highlighted. Test your knowledge on how alterations at the cellular level can impact overall health.