NSG 5531MASTER CELLULAR BIOLOGY: KEY ADAPTATIONS AND
INJURIES EXPLAINED |VERIFIED AND ACCURATE | 2026 UPDATE
Chapter 2: Altered Cellular and Tissue
Biology
Exam-Ready Study Sheets | NSU Nurse Practitioner Program
HIGH-YIELD STUDY SHEET 1: Cellular Adaptation
Definition
• Reversible changes that allow cells to survive stress
• Occurs with physiologic or pathologic stimuli
Types (EXAM FAVORITES)
Atrophy - ↓ cell size - Causes: disuse, denervation, ischemia, malnutrition,
aging - Mechanism: ubiquitin–proteasome pathway
Hypertrophy - ↑ cell size - Triggered by mechanical stress or hormones -
Example: LV hypertrophy from hypertension
Hyperplasia - ↑ cell number (cells must be able to divide) - Physiologic:
liver regeneration, breast tissue - Pathologic: excessive growth factors
Dysplasia - Disordered growth, atypical hyperplasia - Premalignant but
NOT cancer
Metaplasia - One mature cell type replaced by another - Reversible, stem-
cell driven - Example: smoker’s bronchi (columnar → squamous)
HIGH-YIELD STUDY SHEET 2: Cellular Injury
When Injury Occurs
• Stress exceeds adaptive capacity
• Outcomes: reversible injury OR irreversible injury → death
Major Causes
• Hypoxia
• Free radicals / ROS
• Chemicals & toxins
• Infection
, • Physical trauma
• Immunologic reactions
INJURIES EXPLAINED |VERIFIED AND ACCURATE | 2026 UPDATE
Chapter 2: Altered Cellular and Tissue
Biology
Exam-Ready Study Sheets | NSU Nurse Practitioner Program
HIGH-YIELD STUDY SHEET 1: Cellular Adaptation
Definition
• Reversible changes that allow cells to survive stress
• Occurs with physiologic or pathologic stimuli
Types (EXAM FAVORITES)
Atrophy - ↓ cell size - Causes: disuse, denervation, ischemia, malnutrition,
aging - Mechanism: ubiquitin–proteasome pathway
Hypertrophy - ↑ cell size - Triggered by mechanical stress or hormones -
Example: LV hypertrophy from hypertension
Hyperplasia - ↑ cell number (cells must be able to divide) - Physiologic:
liver regeneration, breast tissue - Pathologic: excessive growth factors
Dysplasia - Disordered growth, atypical hyperplasia - Premalignant but
NOT cancer
Metaplasia - One mature cell type replaced by another - Reversible, stem-
cell driven - Example: smoker’s bronchi (columnar → squamous)
HIGH-YIELD STUDY SHEET 2: Cellular Injury
When Injury Occurs
• Stress exceeds adaptive capacity
• Outcomes: reversible injury OR irreversible injury → death
Major Causes
• Hypoxia
• Free radicals / ROS
• Chemicals & toxins
• Infection
, • Physical trauma
• Immunologic reactions
