Learning Objectives Week 1-2

Question 1

Describe the main difference between apoptosis and necrosis

Answer 1

Apoptosis is a programmed and controlled cell death and does not kill neighbouring cells. Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death triggered by trauma.

Question 2

Define infarction

Answer 2

Tissue death (necrosis) caused by inadequate blood supply

Question 3

Define an epithelial cell and its function

Answer 3

Cells that form organ, skin, and blood vessels linings. Their functions are protection, secretion, absorption, and sensory reception

Question 4

Define connective tissue and its primary function

Answer 4

Type of tissue that provides support, structure, and binding for other tissues in the body. Function is to connect, anchor and cushion organs, as well as providing structural support and transport nutrients and waste

Question 5

What is meant by labile, stable and permanent cells, with one example each

Answer 5

Labile cells: constantly dividing e.g. epithelial cells in the skin and mucous membranes
Stable cells: usually resting but can divide to repair tissue when needed. E.g. smooth muscle cells
Permanent cells: unable to undergo division e.g. neurons

Question 6

What determines whether a stimulus causes atrophy or infarction

Answer 6

the severity and duration of the blood supply interruption. Atrophy occurs with mild or chronic interruption, infarction results from severe or sudden blockages

Question 7

What affect does ageing have on cells and organs?

Answer 7

Ageing causes cellular damage, decreased function, and reduced tissue regeneration capacity in organs

Question 8

Define neoplasia
Think: benign or malignant

Answer 8

Abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, forming a mass or tumour

Question 9

Tumour

Answer 9

Abnormal mass of tissue resulting from neoplasia, which can be either benign or malignant

Question 10

Malignant

Answer 10

Tumours that are cancerous and have the potential to invade nearby tissues and metastasise, resulting from neoplasia

Question 11

Dysplasia

Answer 11

Abnormal development or growth of cells, which may indicate pre-cancerous changes

Question 12

-In-situ

Answer 12

Cancer that is confined to its original sites without invading nearby tissues

Question 13

Metastasis/metastasise

Answer 13

The spread of cancer cells from their original sites to other parts of the body

Question 14

What is the most common cancer type in adults and why?

Answer 14

Carcinomas, which arise from epithelial cells, which cover the body’s entire surface and organs. higher likelihood of neoplasia

Question 15

What are the differences between benign and malignant tumours?

Answer 15

Benign tumours grow slowly, are localised, and do not invade surrounding tissues
Malignant tumours grow rapidly, invade nearby tissues and can metastasise

Question 16

List the 3 main routes of metastasis and common sites affected

Answer 16

Lymphatic spread: cancer cells travel through lymphatic vessels and metastasise to lymph nodes
Hematogenous spread: cancer cells enter bloodstream and spread to distant organs (e.g. liver, bones, brain)
Direct seeding: cancer cells spread to nearby organs or tissues by direct implanting (e.g. abdominal cancers)

Question 17

Hyperaemia

Answer 17

Increased blood flow to a specific area to meet the metabolic needs of its tissues

Question 18

Oedema

Answer 18

Accumulation of fluid in tissues, categorised as exudate (high protein) or transudate (low protein)

Question 19

Effusion

Answer 19

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in body cavities

Question 20

Organisation

Answer 20

Process where inflammatory exudate is replaced by granulation (new connective tissue) tissue, leading to scar formation

Question 21

What form of cell death causes an inflammatory response

Answer 21

Necrosis

Question 22

What are the 3 features of acute inflammation?

Answer 22

Redness (rubor), warmth, swelling (tumor)

Question 23

What are the consequences of healing through organisation?

Answer 23

May result in loss of tissue function of fibrosis (excessive scar formation)

Question 24

What are the 3 causes of chronic inflammation?

Answer 24

Persistent infections, autoimmune reactions, prolonged exposure to irritants or allergens

Question 25

Define the 3 general features of chronic inflammation

Answer 25

Infiltration of immune cells, tissue destruction, attempts at repair (fibrosis)

Question 26

What is meant by sterile and non sterile sites in the human body? Give examples

Answer 26

Parts that are exposed to the external environment and may contain microorganisms. Sterile sites lack residential micro-organisms, while non sterile sites harbour normal flora
Sterile: blood, brain
Non-sterile: skin, GIT upper respiratory

Question 27

Difference between the innate and adaptive systems

Answer 27

Innate immunity is non specific and immediate, while adaptive immunity is specific and develops over time (vaccinations)

Question 28

Describe autoimmune response

Answer 28

Immune system attacks body’s own tissues

Question 29

Describe hypersensitivity reaponse

Answer 29

Exaggerated immune response to harmless substances

Question 30

Define immune-compromised

Answer 30

Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy

Question 31

Hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy and metaplasia are examples of a what adaptation?

Answer 31

Cellular adaptation