Chapter 2_1 flashcards
(43 cards)
Etiology: Definition
The original cause of a cellular alteration or disease.
Cellular Responses to Stressors
Cells can: 1. Develop adaptive, compensatory changes to maintain homeostasis. 2. Develop maladaptive changes (derangements of structure or function). 3. Undergo cell injury or cell death if insult is overwhelming.
Cell Injury: Reversible vs. Irreversible
Cell injury can be reversible if the damaging stimulus is removed. If stress is prolonged or severe, it can lead to irreversible cell injury and cell death.
Hypoxia: Definition [cite: 1]
A deficiency of oxygen at the cellular level. [cite: 1]
Brain Cell Vulnerability to Hypoxia [cite: 2]
Brain cells are particularly vulnerable and cannot withstand low oxygen delivery (hypoxia) for more than 6 minutes. [cite: 2]
Ischemia: Definition [cite: 3]
Lack of blood supply to tissue, often leading to hypoxia. [cite: 3]
Infarction: Definition [cite: 3]
Irreversible cell death (necrosis) of tissue as a consequence of prolonged ischemia. [cite: 3]
Apoptosis: General Definition & Characteristics [cite: 6]
A genetically programmed, orderly process of cell death that eliminates unwanted, unnecessary, or damaged cells without inflammation or adverse effects on surrounding tissue. [cite: 6]
Necrosis: General Definition & Characteristics [cite: 7]
Uncontrolled cell death caused by injury or disease, where stressors overwhelm the cell’s ability to survive. It is an irreversible process often triggering inflammation. [cite: 7]
Gangrene: General Definition [cite: 8]
Occurs when necrotic (dead) tissue is exposed to bacteria, which thrive on the decaying tissue. [cite: 8]
Histology: Definition
The microscopic study of tissues and cells, yielding important diagnostic information.
Biopsy: Definition
Extraction of a cell sample from an organ or mass of tissue to allow for histological examination.
Pathognomonic Changes: Definition
Unique histological findings that represent distinct disease processes.
Autopsy: Definition
An examination of the tissues and organs of a deceased individual that allows for a study of the cause of death.
Atrophy: Definition & Purpose [cite: 12]
A cellular adaptation where cells revert to a smaller size in response to changes in metabolic requirements or environment, allowing for less metabolic demand and more efficient functioning. [cite: 12]
Common Causes of Cellular Atrophy [cite: 12]
Disuse or diminished workload, lack of nerve stimulation (paralysis), loss of hormonal stimulation, inadequate nutrition, decreased blood flow (ischemia), aging. [cite: 12]
Hypertrophy: Definition & Consequence [cite: 10]
An increase in individual cell size that results in an enlargement of functioning tissue mass, leading to greater metabolic demand and energy needs. [cite: 10]
Hyperplasia: Definition & Tissue Types [cite: 11]
The increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ; occurs only in tissues with cells capable of mitotic division, such as epithelium and glandular tissue. [cite: 11]
Metaplasia: Definition & General Cause [cite: 13]
The replacement of one cell type by another cell type, likely due to genetic reprogramming in response to chronic inflammation or changes in environmental conditions. [cite: 13]
Dysplasia: Definition & General Association [cite: 14]
Deranged cellular growth within a specific tissue, often as a result of chronic inflammation or a precancerous condition. Cells vary in size, shape, and organization. [cite: 14]
Neoplasia: Definition [cite: 15]
New growth; usually refers to disorganized, uncoordinated, uncontrolled proliferative cell growth that is cancerous. Tumor and neoplasm are often used interchangeably. [cite: 15]
Cellular Differentiation in Neoplasia
The process whereby newly growing cells acquire (or fail to acquire) the specialized structure and function of the cells they replace. Used to classify neoplasms.
Benign Neoplasms: Characteristics [cite: 15]
Contain well-differentiated cells (resemble healthy cells of origin). Cells do not metastasize or break loose from the tissue of origin. [cite: 15]
Malignant Neoplasms: Characteristics [cite: 15]
Contain poorly differentiated cells (do not look or act like normal cells of origin). Tendency to break away, enter lymphatic/circulatory systems, and metastasize to distant sites. [cite: 15]
