exam questions what they have given us Flashcards
(34 cards)
Describe the role of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular homeostasis.
NO maintains vascular tone, inhibits immune cell adhesion, and prevents platelet aggregation, thereby preserving
endothelial function
. Name two clinical consequences of arterial stiffening.
Hypertension (especially systolic) and increased left ventricular load leading to heart failure.
Why does acidosis develop in ischemic tissues?
Lack of oxygen forces cells to switch to anaerobic glycolysis, producing lactic acid.
What is intermittent claudication?
Muscle pain in calf muscle during activity due to inadequate blood flow, relieved by rest (PAD)
What defines vasculitis?
Inflammatory leukocytes in vessel walls causing mural damage
Inflammatory leukocytes in vessel walls causing mural damage
VSMCs regulate vascular tone and produce ECM components like elastin and collagen, essential for structural
strength.
What role does oxidative stress play in aneurysm development?
it damages vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix proteins, contributing to weakening of the arterial
wall
Q5. What are the two most common locations for aortic aneurysms?
thoracic and abdominal
Define orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in systolic BP ≥20 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥10 mmHg upon standing
Name one (1) common cause in elderly patients of orthostatic hypotension
A common cause in elderly patients is autonomic dysfunctio
How does adrenal insufficiency lead to hypotension?
Adrenal insufficiency reduces cortisol and aldosterone, impairing sodium retention and vascular tone, causing
hypotension
hyperaldosteronism
m causes hypertension via sodium and water retention
What is the primary function of surfactant in the lungs
To reduce alveolar surface tension
What is the role of collateral ventilation and when is it fully developed?
It helps prevent lung collapsing by providing alternate air routes. Fully developed by around 8 years old
Why is work of breathing more metabolically costly in neonates?
Due to high airway resistance, reduced alveoli, and high metabolic demand, accounting for ~15% of total O₂ consumption.
Name two (2) cytokines that play a role in joint destruction in RA
NF-α and IL-6
What are two (2) extra-articular manifestations of RA?
Rheumatoid nodules and interstitial lung disease.
What is a typical early sign of RA affecting joint function?
B) Decreased grip strength
What role do adipokines play in osteoarthritis development?
Adipokines such as leptin, resistin, and visfatin (1 mark) contribute to a systemic proinflammatory state (1 mark) that
exacerbates cartilage degradation in OA (1 mark)
DEXA scan, which reveals a T-score
more then -2.5 is osteoarthritis
Why is early detection of osteopenia important?
Because it increases the risk of fragility fractures and may progress to osteoporosis if not addressed.
Explain how scoliosis can affect respiratory function in severe cases.
Severe spinal curvature may restrict thoracic expansion, leading to reduced lung volumes and potentially restrictive
lung disease
. Describe the pathophysiological mechanism leading to muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis.
Autoantibodies target acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, impairing synaptic transmission and
resulting in fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness.
List and briefly describe the four stages of bone healing.
Haematoma Formation: Blood pools at the fracture site
* Fibrocartilaginous Callus Formation: Soft callus bridges the fracture.
* Ossification: Hard bone replaces the soft callus.
* Remodeling: Bone is reshaped to its original structure.
