Pathology Quiz

Study Notes

Understanding Cell Death, Intracellular Accumulations, and Pathologic Calcification

Cell Death:

Two types of cell death: apoptosis and necrosis
Necrosis occurs when lysosomal enzymes enter the cytoplasm and digest the cell, resulting in leakage of cellular contents and inflammation
Apoptosis is a programmed cell death with shrinkage of the cell, chromatin condensation, and DNA degradation without complete loss of membrane integrity
Necrosis is mostly pathological, while apoptosis is mostly physiological

Necrosis:

Morphological changes in necrosis take time to develop after cell death
Cytoplasmic changes include increased eosinophilia and vacuolation
Nuclear changes include karyolysis, pyknosis, and karyorrhexis
Different patterns of tissue necrosis include coagulative, liquefactive, caseous, fat, and gangrenous necrosis

Apoptosis:

Programmed cell death due to lack of growth factors or DNA/protein damage
Activation of enzymes leads to degradation of nuclear DNA and proteins, but membrane remains intact
Apoptotic cells are cleared by phagocytes without eliciting an inflammatory response
Process can be initiated through extrinsic or intrinsic pathways

Intracellular Accumulations:

Abnormal substances can accumulate inside cells due to metabolic derangements
Examples include fatty change (steatosis), glycogen accumulation, and pigment deposition
Lipofuscin, melanin, and hemosiderin are endogenous pigments, while anthracotic pigment is exogenous
Pathologic calcification is abnormal deposition of calcium salts and can occur in dead or dying tissues (dystrophic calcification) or normal tissues (metastatic calcification)

Pathologic Calcification:

Abnormal deposition of calcium salts, usually with smaller amounts of other minerals
Dystrophic calcification occurs in dead or dying tissues, while metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues with calcium metabolic abnormalities
Calcium salts appear as fine white granules or clumps, often felt as gritty deposits
Dystrophic calcification can occur in areas of necrosis, advanced atherosclerosis, or aging/damaged heart valvesCauses and Types of Calcification
Calcification is a process in which calcium builds up in body tissues, causing them to harden and become less flexible.
There are two main types of calcification: dystrophic and metastatic.
Dystrophic calcification occurs in damaged or dead tissues, such as after a heart attack or in atherosclerotic plaques.
Metastatic calcification occurs in normal tissues in association with hypercalcemia, which can be caused by various factors.
The most important causes of hypercalcemia are increased secretion of parathyroid hormone and renal failure with phosphate retention.
Parathyroid tumors and some malignant tumors can produce parathyroid hormone or parathyroid hormone-related protein, leading to hypercalcemia and metastatic calcifications.
Vitamin D intoxication, bone diseases, and other factors can also cause hypercalcemia.
Dystrophic calcification of the aortic valves is an important cause of aortic stenosis in the elderly.
Metastatic calcifications can occur in various organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and blood vessels.
Calcifications can be detected by imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.
Treatment of calcifications depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Prevention of calcifications involves controlling risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Description

Test your knowledge on cell death, intracellular accumulations, and pathologic calcification with this quiz! Learn about the two types of cell death, necrosis and apoptosis, and their morphological changes. Explore the causes and types of intracellular accumulations, such as steatosis and pigment deposition. Finally, discover the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in pathologic calcification, including dystrophic and metastatic calcification. Take this quiz to enhance your understanding of these important topics in pathology.