Introduction to Clinical Sciences Flashcards
What is inflammation
cellular reaction to injury involving neutrophils and polymorphs
what are neutrophil polymorphs
they are white blood cells made in the bone marrow. They have a short lifespan (2-3 days), and are called polymorphs cause they have a polylobed nucleus
what do neutrophils contain to remove pathogens
contain lysosomes of enzymes which can kill phagocytosed bacteria
what types of immune cells are the first to arrive at the site of acute inflammation
neutrophils
what is the lifespan of macrophages
months to years
what are features of macrophages
they have a circular nucleus, and acts as antigen presenting cells. They have different names dependent on what tissue they reside
Define exudate
Exudate is fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. The fluid is made of cells, proteins, and solid materials.
what are lymphocytes
they are T or B cells which are long lives cells which produce chemicals involved in controlling inflammation and production of antibodies. Lymphocytes are the immunological memory of the body
what are plasma cells
they are specialised B cells which are antibody producing
what are fibroblasts
they are cells which produce collagenous connective tissue- spindle shaped cells
what are the features of acute inflammation
injury or infection
early onset - seconds to minutes
short duration - hours to days
cells involved - neutrophils and then macrophages
what are examples of acute inflammation
microbial infections - bacteria and viruses
hypersensitivity reactions - parasites
physical agents - trauma, heat, cold
chemicals - corrosives and acids
bacterial toxins
tissue necrosis – ischemic
what is the sequence of events of chronic inflammation
either progression from acute inflammation or starts as chronic inflammation
there are no or few neutrophils in this case
macrophages and lymphocytes and then fibroblasts involved
can resolve if there is no tissue damage but this often ends up with repair and formation of scar tissue
what is an example of primary chronic inflammation
infection mononucleosis
what is a granuloma
it is a particular type of chronic inflammation with collections of macrophages/histiocytes surrounded by lymphocytes
what are the reasons for granuloma formation
seen in mycobacterial infection such as TB or leprosy, also seen in crohns disease and sarcoidosis
what are the features of endothelial cells
the line blood vessels and produce nitric oxide to prevent platelets sticking to them.
why might an inflamed area be red and swollen
because of the larger blood flow to the area - increased capillary action
what are the outcomes of acute inflammation
resolution
supporation - pus formation
organisation - granulation tissue and fibrosis
progression - excessive inflammaiton - becomes chronic
what is resolution
where the problem causing inflammation is resolved, inflammation is solved and there is no tissue damage
what is first intension healing
it is when the edges of the wound can be joint back together, making it much easier for the body to repair the wound.
initial weak fibrin joint and then collagen joint after
what is second intension healing
when the edges of the wound cant be joint back together which can be either due to trauma or with certain surgeries.. cells have to grow into the wound, with initilal capillary cells, then fibroblasts and then epithelial cells
what is granulation tissue
where capillary loops are growing into wound (looks a bit like granular tissue)
what is tissue repair
when there is replacement of damaged tissue that cant regenerate, collagen is therefore produced by fibroblasts, leaving a scar
- original tissue lost
what cells regenerate within the body
hepatocytes, blood cells, pneumocytes, gut epithelium, skin epithelium and osteocytes
what cells dont regenerate
myocardial cells and neurons
what is the steps of acute inflammation
vascular component = dilation of vessels
exudative component = vascular leakage of protein rich fluid
neutrophil polymorph = cells type recruited to tissue
what is the appearance of acute inflammation
red in colour, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function
what happens during acute inflammation
- migration of neutrophils; increased plasma viscosity and slowing of flow during injury meaning neutrophils migrate to plasmatic zone
- Adhesion of neutrophils to the endothelium
- neutrophil emigration as they pass through the endothelial cells onto the basal lamina
- diapedesis; RBC may also escape from vessels
what are the four outcomes of acute inflammation
- resolution - complete restoration of tissue to normal w/minimal cell death
- suppuration - formation of pus, leads to scarring
- organisation - replacement by granular tissue, new capillaries grow into inflammatory exudate, macrophages migrate and fibrosis occurs
- progression - causative agents is not removes so there is progression to chronic inflammation
what is chronic inflammation
subsequent and prolonged response to tissue injury
what are the cells involved in chronic inflammation
lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells
what are causes of chronic inflammation
primary chronic inflammation, transplant rejection, autoimmune conditions, endogenous and exogenous conditions
what is the macroscopic appearance of chronic inflammation
chronic ulcer
crohns abscess cavity
granulomatous inflammation
fibrosis
what is the microscopic appearance of chronic inflammation
lymphocytes, plasma cell, macrophages, continuing destruction and possible necrosis
what is laminar flow
cells travel in the centre of arterial vessels and dont touch the sides
what is a thrombosis
it is the formation of a solid mass from blood constituents in an intact vessel in a living person
what is the first stage of thrombosis formation
platelet aggregation - platelets release chemicals when they aggregate which causes other platelets to migrate and stick - starts of a positive feedback cascade
what are the three things that can cause thrombosis formation
- change in the vessel wall
- change in the blood flow
- change in the blood constituents
what is an embolism
the process of a solid mass in the blood being carried through the circulation to a place where it gets stuck and blocks a vessel
what is the most common cause of embolism
a thrombus
what are some less common causes of embolism
air, cholesterol crystals, tumours, amniotic fluid, fat
what happens if an embolus enters the venous system
will travel to vena cava, through the right side of the heart and lodge in the pulmonary arteries, causing pulmonary oedema
what is ischemia
a reduction in blood flow to a tissue
what is infarction
a reduction in blood flow to a tissue that results in cell death
what is end arterial supply
when an organ/tissue only has a single artery supplying it
what are the few organs with a duel arterial supply
the lungs, liver and parts of the brain
what are the granules that platelets contain
alpha and dense
what is the function of alpha granules
platelet adhesion - fibrinogen
what is the function of dense granules
platelet aggregation - ADP
How does a thrombus form
a change in the vessel wall will cause a plaque to form there, which will protrude into the lumen and cause some turbulence. this results in the loss of intimal cells. Clumping will occur and fibrin is deposited. this structure will continue to protrude into the lumen
do thrombi form in veins
not likely as there is lower pressure in veins - can occurs around valve sites
what are the clinical features of arterial thrombi
loss of pulse distal to thrombus, area becomes cold and pale and painful. there could be gangrene
what is the fate of thrombi
- resolution
- organised - becomes a scar with slight narrowing
- recanalisation - intimal cells proliferate and capillaries may grow into the thrombus
- embolus - fragments break off into circulation
what could a venous thrombus lead to
DVT
what is an atherosclerosis
accumulation of fibrolipid plaques systemic arteries
what is the time course of atherosclerosis
birth - none
late teen/early 20s - fatty streaks in aorta, may not progress to established atherosclerosis
30s/40s/50s - development of established atherosclerotic plaques
40s -80s - complications of atherosclerotic plaques
what are rick factors of atherosclerosis
hypertension
hyperlipidemia
cigarette smoking
poorly controlled diabetes
what is the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
endothelial damage theory - endothelial cells are delicate and can become damaged by cigarette smoke, shearing forces, hyperlipidemia, glycosylation products
what can cumulative damage of the endothelial barrier lead to
it leads to endothelial ulceration, microthrombi and eventual development of established atherosclerotic plaques
what are the complications of atherosclerosis
blocked vessels - infarct
embolism leading to cerebral infarction, carotid atheroma, myocardial infarction, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease and gangrene
how does atherosclerosis form
- endothelial cell dysfunction (lots of cholesterol damages wall)
- High levels of LDLs will begin to accumulate
- macrophages are attracted to the site of damage at take up lipid to form foam cells
- platelet aggregation and the plaque starts to protrude into the artery lumen disrupting flow. thinning of media occurs
- fibrin mesh and red blood cell trapping occurs
- fibrous cap forms over smooth muscle cap forming a stable atheroma
what are preventative measures for atherosclerosis
smoking cessation
blood pressure control
weight reduction
low dose aspirin
statins - cholesterol reducing
what is apoptosis
it is programmed cell death - orderly event without the release of products harmful to surrounding cells
what is the purpose of apoptosis
it is a process in normal cell turnover which prevents cells with accumulated genetic damage from dividing and producing cells which might eventually develop into cancer
what protein detects DNA damage
p53
what is the function of p53
it is a protein in cells which detects the level of DNA damage which will trigger apoptosis if DNA damage is high
how does a cell apoptose
the cell triggers a series of proteins which leads to the release of enzymes called caspases which auto digests the cell
when does apoptosis occur in health
development - removal of cells during development such as interdigital webs
cell turnover - removal of cells during normal turnover, such as the intestinal villi
when does apoptosis occur in disease
cancer - cells in tumours often dont apoptose due to accumulation of genetic mutations, including those in the p53 gene
HIV - HIV can induce apoptosis in CD4 T helper cells to produce an immunodeficient state
what is necrosis
it is the traumatic loss of cells - uncontrolled
what are clinical examples of necrosis
infarction due to loss of blood supply
frostbite
pancreatitis
what are the inhibitors of apoptosis
growth factors, extracellular cell matrix, sex steroids
what are the inducers of apoptosis
glucocorticoids, free radicals, ionising radiation, DNA damage
what is the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis
this uses pro and anti apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. Bax forms Bax-Bax dimers which enhance apoptotic stimuli. the Bcl-2:Bax ratio determines the cells susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli.
it responds to growth factors and biochemical stress.
the p53 gene induces cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair, and if it cant be fixed it induces apoptosis
what is the extrinsic apoptotic pathway
this involves ligand binding to death receptors on the cell surface. this includes the TNFR1, CD95 and the main one the Fas-FasL
the ligand binding causes the clustering of receptor molecules on the cell surface and the initiation of signal transduction cascades
caspases are activated and triggers apoptosis
what is coagulative necrosis
most common type - ischemia
what is liquefactive necrosis
occurs in brain due to lack of supportive stroma
what is caseous necrosis
causes ‘cheese’ pattern - TB characterised by this
what is gangrene
necrosis with rotting tissue - affected tissue is black due to deposition of iron sulphate
What is the definition of hypertrophy
It is the increase in cell size without cell division.
what is the definition of hyperplasia
Increase in cell number by mitosis - this can only happen in cells that can divide `
what cells cant undergo hyperplasia
Myocardial cells or nerve cells
what is the definition of atrophy
The decrease in the size of an organ or cell which can be reduction in cell size or number
when is there natural atrophy in the body
Occurs during the development of the GU tract
what is the definition of metaplasia
the change in differentiation of a cell from one fully differentiated cell type to another
what are examples of metaplasia
Barretts oesophagus - squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium
what is the definition of dysplasia
morphological changes seen in cells in the progression to becoming cancer
not cancer but could become cancer
what is a genetic disease
a disease that occurs primarily from a genetic abnormality
what is a single gene disorder
abnormality of a single gene causes a disease - can be recessive or dominant
what are the two further classifications of single gene disorder
autosomal or sex linked
what is polygenic gene disorder
a genetic disease which is the result of the interaction of several different genes (usually on different chromosomes)
what is a congenital disease
a disease which someone is born with - but can also be acquired. This will often be a disease which is due to environmental factors but it may be a strong genetic background
what is a homeobox gene
genes which code for particular region of the body and control migration of cells
what is benign prostatic hyperplasia
smooth muscle in the prostate divides and causes the prostate to crow and constricts the urethra
when do you have combined hypertrophy and hyperplasia
in the uterus during pregnancy
what is a classic example of atrophy in aging
dementia
What is the limit of aging
number of times a cell can divide
what are the limiting factors of cell division
telomerase length - telomeres get shorter after each cell division which then limits the amount of divisions that can occur
what things can induce apoptosis in cells
crosslinking or mutation of DNA
accumulation of toxic by products of metabolism
telomere shortening
time dependent activation of aging and death genes
free radical generation
crosslinking of proteins
damage to mitochondrial DNA
loss of DNA repair mechanism
what is dermal elastosis
the accumulation of abnormal elastic in the dermis of the skin, which is the result of prolonged or excessive sun exposure. This is because UVB light causes protein cross linking
what is osteoporosis
caused by the loss of coupling in the bone remodeling process with increased bone resorption and reduced bone formation. the bone matrix is mineralised as normal but the trabeculae are thinned
what is cataracts and its cause
it is the formation of opaque proteins within the lens which usually results in the loss of lens elasticity. It is caused by UVB light causing protein cross linking
what causes dementia
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain
what is sarcopenia
it is decreased growth hormone, decreased testosterones and increased catabolic cytokines. This causes involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength
what is the cause of deafness in age
the hair cells cant divide or regenerate in the ear which means once damage occurs it cant be undone
What cancer only invades locally
basal cell carcinoma - doesnt metastasize
what is the cure for basal cell carcinoma
complete local excision of the cancer
what type of cancer is leukemia
it is the cancer of white blood cells
what has to happen before cancer removal surgery
they generally do an ultrasound of the area to ensure that there is no growth into surrounding lymph nodes. Can also send a lymph node sample to the lab
what cancers commonly spread to the bone
breast, prostate, thyroid, lung and kidney cancers commonly spread to the bone
what biopsy can be done to check if cancer is present
a needle core biopsy
what is adjuvant therapy
it is extra treatment given after the surgery to help prevent the regrowth of cancer
what is the name of the main effector cell in acute inflammation
Neutrophil polymorphs
What is the name of the cells that produce collagen in fibrous scarring
fibroblasts
what is a common example of acute inflammation
acute appendicitis
what is the pattern of differentiation of neoplastic cells lining the bronchi of cigarette smokers
respiratory epithelium to stratified squamous
what process is is defined by the formation of a solid mass of blood constituents within an intact vascular system during life
thrombosis
what is the definition of carcinogenesis
normal cells to neoplastic cells via permanent genetic mutation or alteration
where in the cell do all carcinogens act
the level of the DNA
what are the different classes of carcinogen
chemical, viral, radiation, hormones, parasites, mycotoxins and miscellaneous
they all act on DNA
what type of neoplasms do carcinogens produce
malignant
cancer causing
what is oncogenesis
the formation of benign and malignant tumours
- tumour causing
what are carcinogens
agents which are known or suspected to cause tumours
what are occupational or behavioral risks for cancer
lung cancer - strong association with smoking
bladder cancer - increased incidence in aniline dye and rubber industries
scrotal cancer - increased incidence in chimney sweeps
what are chemical carcinogens
they show no common structural features, where some act directly. Most require metabolic conversation from pro-carcinogens to ultimate carcinogens. Enzymes are required for this which may be ubiquitous or confined to certain organs (meaning you can only get cancer in those organs)
what is a tumour
it is any abnormal swelling
what are examples of chemical carcinogens
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - found in soot, cigarette smoke and pollution
nitrosamines - processed meats
alkylating agents - used as chemotherapeutic agents to treat other cancers
what are examples of viral carcinogens
HepB - liver cancer
HHV8 - Kaposi sarcoma
EBV - Birkett lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma
HPV - cervix, penis, anus, head and neck
MCV - merkel cell carcinoma
HTLV-1 - leukemia
HCV - hepatocellular carcinoma
what type of radiation can cause cancer
UV light - increases all kinds of skin cancer
ionising radiation - can cause cancer over long term exposure
what biological agents can cause cancer
oestrogen - breast and endometrial
anabolic steriods - hepatocellular carcinoma
what are miscellaneous carcinogens
arsenic, asbestos and metals
what host factors can affect cancer risk
ethnicity - more melanin decreases melanoma incidence
diet and lifestyle - alcohol excess increases risk of cancers of the mouth, liver and colon
obesity - breast, oesophagus, colon (exercise reduces this risk)
inherited predisposition - retinoblastoma and FPC
age - increased age increases the risk
biological sex will impact on certain cancer risk
what is pre-malignant condition
a localised abnormality which increases the risk of developing cancer such as polyps, ulcerative colitis and undescended testicles
what is an example of placental transmission
diethylstilbestrol - was sued for morning sickness which increased the risk of vaginal cancer in the foetus
what percentage of all cancer risks are inherited
15%
what does in situ mean, in terms of cancer
where the cancer hasnt invaded surrounding tissue, and is still within the area it started. No access to blood or lymphatic vessels
In situ only applies to epithelial neoplasms and the BM is intact
how do you treat an in situ cancer
you can excise it
what is an invasive carcinoma
where the cancer has invaded the surrounding tissues - has access to blood or lymphatic vessels
what is a micro-invasive cancer
one that has invaded surrounding tissues, but not very far
what enzymes will cancers need to produce to move through the basement membrane
metalloproteinases - collagenase, cathepsin D
what are the stages of metastasis
tumour grows and invades the basement membrane and the extracellular matrix. It will then travel in either the lymphatic or blood vessel, and will then move back into a tissue elsewhere and invade another extracellular matrix to grow there
how large must a tumour be for it to need its own blood supply
larger than 1mm
what can tumours do to remain undetected by immune cells in the blood
- tumours can aggregate with platelets
- they can shed surface antigens which can be taken up by lymphocytes rather than the tumour cell itself
- they can adhere to other tumour cells to increase size
what can tumour cells produce to promote angiogenesis
VEGF and BFGF
what cancers commonly spread to the lungs
sarcomas
what cancers often invade the liver
colon, stomach, pancreas, carcinoid tumours of the intestine
what cancers commonly metasasise to the bone
prostate, breast, thyroid, lung and kidney
what are the two types of bone metastasis
sclerotic metastasis (gain of bone)
lytic metastasis (loss of bone)
what is a neoplasm
a lesion resulting from the autonomous, or relatively autonomous abnormal growth of cells which persists after the initiating stimulus has been removed (a new growth)
what do solid neoplasms contain
neoplastic cells and stroma (supporting network) - except leukemia
what are the behavioral classification of neoplasms
malignant, borderline or benign
what are the features of benign neoplasms
Localised, non invasive, slow growth rate. They have a low mitotic rate. They have a close resemblance of normal tissue. They are well circumscribes of encapsulated.
what is an example of malignant neoplasms
squamous cell carcinoma and prostate cancer
what are features of malignant neoplasms
INVASIVE. they can metastases. They have a rapid growth rate and have some varying resemblance to normal tissue. They have a poorly defined boarder.
where can neoplasms arise from
epithelial cells, connective tissues, lymphoid or haemopoietic organs
what is an adenoma
a benign tumour of glandular or secretory epithelium
- add prefix to add what type it is
what is a papilloma
a benign tumour of non glandular non secretory epithelium
-can add a prefix to add what type it is
what is a carcinoma
a malignant epithelial neoplasm
- this is a common exam question
what is a lipoma
adipocyte neoplasm (benign)
what is a chondroma
cartilage neoplasm (Benign)
what is an osteoma
a bone neoplasm (benign)
what is an angioma
vascular neoplasm (benign)
what suffix do benign connective tissue neoplasm have
- oma
what suffix do malignant connective tissue neoplasms have
- sarcoma
what is a liposarcoma
an adipose tissue neoplasm
what is a rhabdomyosarcoma
a striated muscle neoplasm
what is a leiomyosarcoma
smooth muscle neoplasm
what is a carcinoma in situ
a malignant epithelial neoplasm that has not yet invaded through the original basement membrane
How can a metastasis occur
via blood vessels, lymphocytes, across body cavities, along nerves or as a direct implantation of neoplastic cells during surgery
what must a tumour have to undergo extravasation
adhesion receptors, collagenases and cell motiity
what are examples of angiogenesis inhibitors
angiostatin ,endostatin and casculostatin
what are the consequences of a malignant neoplasm
they can cause destruction of adjacent tissue, metastasis, blood loss from ulcers, obstruction of flow, hormone productions, paraneoplastic affects, anxiety
what are the consequences of benign neoplasm
They can cause morbidity and mortality cause they can cause obstruction, cause pressure on adjacent structures, produce hormones and can transform. Can cause anxiety
what is an anaplastic neoplasm
where the cell - type of origin is unknown
what is serum
plasma without fibrinogen and other clotting factors
what is the most common white blood cell
neutrophils
what white blood cell has a kidney shaped nucleus
monocytes
what are the primary lymphoid organs
Bone marrow: origin for all and the B cell maturation site
Thymus: T-cell maturation site
what are the secondary lymphoid organs
the lymph nodes: site of DC, B and T cell interactions
Spleen: site of removal or RBC and bacteria
what are tertiary lymphoid organs
transient formation of germinal centers which are usually pathology related
what is the definition of hematopoiesis
production of all cellular components of blood and blood plasma
what stem cell produces all types of white blood cells
hematopoietic stem cells
what progenitor cell descendants can be considered as the innate branch of the immune system
the common myeloid progenitor cells
what progenitor cell descendants can be considered cells of the adaptive immune response
the common lymphoid progenitor cells
what causes ALL
lymphoid progenitors causing increased amounts of immature lymphocytes
what causes CLL
increased naive mature B cells
what is lymphoma
cancer involving expansion of mature naive T cells and B cells in germinal centres
what is multiple myeloma
cancer of the plasma cells
what are 7 key points about the innate immune system
- it is primitive and broad
- it is fast
- there is little regulation
- there is no amplification
- there is no self discrimination
- it is short (days)
- it has no memory
what are the 7 key points about the adaptive immune system
- it is highly specific
- it is slow
- it has lots of regulation
- there is amplification
- it shows high self discrimination
- it is long
- it can produce memory
what cells are polymorphonuclear leukocytes
neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
what are mononuclear leukocytes
monocytes, T cells and B cells
what immune cell has a kidney shaped nuclei
monocytes
what is the role of monocytes in immunity
they play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity as they phagocytose and present antigens.
what is the main function of neutrophils in immunity
innate immunity - they have two main intracellular granules. Primary lysosomes kill microbes but secreting toxic substances and secondary granules.
what is the main function of macrophages in immunity
they are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. they reside in tissues and have a long lifespan. their main role is removal of foreign and self material as well as antigen presentation to T cells
what is the main function of eosinophils
mainly associated with parasitic infections and allergic reactions. they can activate neutrophils, inducing histamine release from mast cells
what is the main function of basophils
mainly involved in immunity to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. they bind to IgE and cause de-granulation releasing histamine
what is the function of mast cells
they are only found in tissues and induce release of histamine via IgE
what are the four main types of T cell
T helper 1 - CD4
T helper 2 - CD4
cytotoxic T cell - CD8
Treg
what is the function of natural killer cells
they recognise and kill by apoptosis - tumour cells and viral infected ones
what percentage of lymphocytes are natural killer cells
about 15%
what are the types of soluble factors in immunity
complement, antibodies and cytokines and chemokines
what is compliment function in immunity
direct lysis of pathogen
attraction of leukocytes to sites of infection
opsinisation - coat organisms and aid in phagocytosis
what are the five distinct classes of antibodies
- IgG
- IgA
- IgD
- IgE
- IgM
what is the most predominant antibody
IgG
what antibody can cross the placenta
IgG
where is IgA antibody found
it is the predominant antibody found in secretions such as saliva, milk, vaginal and bronchiolar secretions
where is IgM predominantly found
found in the blood - makes up a pentamer so cant cross endothelium and it is the primary response
what are the features of IgE
Basophils and mast cells express an IgE-specific receptor that has high affinity for IgE – binding triggers release of histamine
Associated with allergic response and defence against parasitic infections
what is an epitope
it is the part of the antigen that binds to the antibody/receptor binding site
what are cytokines
they are proteins secreted by the immune and non-immune cells. they influence the behaviour of cells
what do interferons do
they are important in antiviral immunity
what do interleukins do
over 30 types - they can stimulate cells to divide, differentiate and secrete factors
what is colony stimulating factors
it is involved in directing the division and differentiation on the bone marrow stem cells - precursors of leukocytes
what is tissue necrosis factors
it mediates inflammation and cytotoxic reactions
what are chemokines
40 proteins that direct movement of leukocytes and attract leukocytes to sites of infection or inflammation
what three factors are in the innate immune system
- physical and chemical barriers
- phagocytic cells
- serum proteins
what are anatomical barriers to infection
- skin
- sebum
- intact skin