Pathophysiology: Cellular Adaptations and Fluid Balance Disturbances

Study Notes

Pathophysiology is the study of how the body's functioning is altered in the presence of disease, leading to changes in cell structure and function.
Cellular adaptations include atrophy (cell size decrease), hypertrophy (cell size increase), hyperplasia (increase in cell number), dysplasia (alteration in cell organization), and metaplasia (replacement of one cell type with another).
Fluid balance disturbances can disrupt homeostasis, leading to various disease processes, with causes ranging from excessive input or output of fluids.
Edema, excess fluid trapped in the body, can be caused by factors like increased capillary pressure, venous obstruction, and inflammatory reactions.
Symptoms of edema can include fluid in the lungs, pedal edema (swelling of feet), and jugular venous distention (JVD).
Isotonic fluid deficits involve proportional losses of sodium and water, while isotonic fluid excess involves proportional increases, commonly seen in conditions like kidney and heart failure.
Disturbances in electrolyte balance like sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphates, and magnesium can occur due to various factors such as dietary intake, renal loss, or excessive excretion. Acid-base balance disruptions can be respiratory or metabolic in nature, leading to conditions like acidosis or alkalosis.

Description

Explore the alterations in cell structure and function due to disease, including cellular adaptations like atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, dysplasia, and metaplasia. Learn about fluid balance disturbances, causes of edema, and disruptions in electrolyte and acid-base balance.