chapter 1 pathoma Flashcards
What happens when stress on an organ increases?
An increase in organ size occurs through hypertrophy (increase in cell size) and/or hyperplasia (increase in cell number).
What processes are involved in hypertrophy?
Hypertrophy involves gene activation, protein synthesis, and production of organelles.
How does hyperplasia occur?
Hyperplasia involves the production of new cells from stem cells.
Do hyperplasia and hypertrophy occur together?
Yes, they generally occur together (e.g., the uterus during pregnancy).
What is the limitation of permanent tissues like cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, and nerve in terms of hyperplasia and hypertrophy?
Permanent tissues cannot make new cells and undergo hypertrophy only, not hyperplasia.
What is an example of hypertrophy without hyperplasia?
Cardiac myocytes undergo hypertrophy, not hyperplasia, in response to systemic hypertension.
What can pathologic hyperplasia lead to?
Pathologic hyperplasia (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia) can progress to dysplasia and eventually cancer.
What is the notable exception to hyperplasia increasing cancer risk?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not increase the risk for prostate cancer.
What causes atrophy?
Atrophy is caused by a decrease in stress, such as decreased hormonal stimulation, disuse, or decreased nutrients/blood supply.
How does atrophy occur?
Atrophy occurs via a decrease in both cell size and number.
How does the decrease in cell number occur during atrophy?
Decrease in cell number occurs via apoptosis.
What mechanisms are involved in the decrease in cell size during atrophy?
The decrease in cell size occurs via ubiquitin-proteosome degradation of the cytoskeleton and autophagy of cellular components
How does ubiquitin-proteosome degradation work?
In ubiquitin-proteosome degradation, intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton are tagged with ubiquitin and destroyed by proteosomes
How does autophagy contribute to atrophy?
Autophagy involves the generation of autophagic vacuoles that fuse with lysosomes, where hydrolytic enzymes break down cellular components
What is metaplasia?
Metaplasia is the change in cell type due to a change in stress on an organ.
What is a classic example of metaplasia?
Barrett’s esophagus is a classic example of metaplasia.
What type of epithelium normally lines the esophagus?
The esophagus is normally lined by nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium, which is suited to handle the friction of a food bolus.
What happens to the esophageal lining in response to acid reflux?
Acid reflux causes metaplasia to nonciliated, mucin-producing columnar cells, which are better able to handle the stress of acid.
Is metaplasia reversible?
Yes, metaplasia is reversible with the removal of the driving stressor
Can Barrett’s esophagus be reversed?
Yes, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux may reverse Barrett’s esophagus.
What can persistent metaplasia lead to?
Persistent metaplasia can progress to dysplasia and eventually result in cancer.
What is a potential consequence of Barrett’s esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus may progress to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.