Cell injury, Adaptation, Maladaptive Changes Flashcards
What is Etiology?
The original cause of a disease or cell change. Think of it like a detective solving a mystery—who started the problem?
What are Etiologic Agents?
The bad guys that cause disease (e.g., infections, injuries, toxins).
Give 2 examples of Etiologic Agents in action.
1️⃣ Cold temperature → Frostbite (your fingers turn into ice cubes 🥶).
2️⃣ Streptococcal bacteria → Sore throat (bacteria throwing a throat party 🎉).
How do cells react to an etiologic agent?
✅ Good way → Adaptive, compensatory changes (cells adjust to survive).
❌ Bad way → Maladaptive changes (cells change too much = disease).
What is Histology?
The microscopic study of tissues to check if they are normal or weird. Like zooming in on LEGO pieces to check if they’re built right.
What is a Biopsy?
A small sample of tissue taken to check for disease. Like taking a little bite of a cookie to see if it’s good 🍪.
What is an Autopsy?
Examining tissues from a dead body to figure out what happened. Like CSI but for doctors 🕵️.
What are Pathognomonic Changes?
Changes that point to a specific disease. Example: A crater in the stomach? That’s an ulcer!
What is Atrophy?
Cells shrink because they aren’t being used.
Example: Paralyzed muscles shrink because they’re not active.
What is Hypertrophy?
Cells grow BIGGER.
✔️ Good Example: Exercising makes heart muscles stronger 💪❤️.
❌ Bad Example: High blood pressure makes the heart overwork and grow too much 😵.
What is Hyperplasia?
More cells grow (but only in tissues that can divide).
Example: Pregnancy → More breast cells thanks to estrogen 🤰.
What is Metaplasia?
One cell type turns into another to survive.
Example: GERD (acid reflux) → Esophagus cells change into stomach-like cells to handle acid!
What is Dysplasia?
Cells grow weird & out of control (can be a cancer warning 🚨).
Example: Abnormal Pap smear → Possible cervical cancer.
What is Neoplasia?
Uncontrolled cell growth (tumors).
• Benign tumors: Stay put, well-behaved 😊.
• Malignant tumors: Grow like crazy, spread everywhere 😡.
What is Hypoxia?
Cells don’t get enough oxygen = Panic mode!
What causes Hypoxia?
• Low blood flow (ischemia) 🚫🩸
• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• Lung diseases (asthma, COPD)
What happens when a cell is hypoxic?
Cells switch to emergency mode (anaerobic metabolism) → Lactic acid builds up = BAD.
What is Free Radical Injury?
Unstable molecules (free radicals) damage cells. Like a bull running wild in a china shop!
How do you fight Free Radical Injury?
ANTIOXIDANTS! 🍊🍓 (Vitamin C & E = Cell superheroes).
What are 3 causes of cell injury?
1️⃣ Physical injury (falls, burns, frostbite, electric shock).
2️⃣ Chemical injury (drugs, pollution, toxins).
3️⃣ Infectious injury (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
What is Apoptosis?
Planned, controlled cell death (calm and orderly).
Example: Old skin cells die & fall off to make room for new ones.
What is Necrosis?
Messy, accidental cell death (BIG DRAMA).
Example: Heart attack → Cells die from lack of oxygen.
What is Infarction?
Tissue death from lack of blood flow (ischemia).
Example: Heart attack (no oxygen = dead heart cells).
What is Gangrene?
Dead, rotting tissue (gross and smelly 🤮).
