NUR 631/NUR631 Exam 1 V1 | Advanced
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by an increase in the number of cells
resulting from an increased rate of cellular division?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia involves an increase in the actual number of cells within
a tissue or organ. This process occurs in response to physiological or pathological stimuli
that trigger increased mitotic activity. It is distinct from hypertrophy, which refers only to
an increase in the size of individual cells.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, where normal squamous epithelium is
replaced by columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
,D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another mature cell type. In the case of Barrett’s esophagus, chronic acid reflux induces this
change to protect the esophageal lining. While adaptive, metaplastic cells can potentially
progress to dysplasia if the stimulus persists.
3. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
B. Increased intracellular calcium
C. Reduced ATP production
D. Lactic acid accumulation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that
damage cellular components through oxidative stress. They specifically cause lipid
peroxidation, which destroys the integrity of the cell membrane. This damage can also
affect proteins and DNA, leading to mutations or cell death.
4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
, C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis typically occurs in the brain due to the high
lipid and enzyme content of neural tissue. As cells die, they are rapidly digested by
hydrolytic enzymes, resulting in a soft, liquid-filled cyst. In contrast, coagulative necrosis is
more common in the heart or kidneys following ischemia.
5. Apoptosis is defined as:
A. Programmed cell death or ‘cellular suicide’
B. Accidental cell death caused by external injury
C. Cell death caused by lack of oxygen
D. Death resulting from severe inflammation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a highly regulated, energy-dependent process of
programmed cell death. It allows the body to remove old, damaged, or unnecessary cells
without triggering a significant inflammatory response. This process is essential for normal
development and the prevention of cancer.
Physiology and Pathophysiology Q&A with
Rationale | Grand Canyon University
1. Which cellular adaptation process is characterized by an increase in the number of cells
resulting from an increased rate of cellular division?
A. Atrophy
B. Hypertrophy
C. Hyperplasia
D. Metaplasia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hyperplasia involves an increase in the actual number of cells within
a tissue or organ. This process occurs in response to physiological or pathological stimuli
that trigger increased mitotic activity. It is distinct from hypertrophy, which refers only to
an increase in the size of individual cells.
2. A patient is diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, where normal squamous epithelium is
replaced by columnar epithelium. This is an example of:
A. Dysplasia
B. Anaplasia
C. Metaplasia
,D. Atrophy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one mature cell type by
another mature cell type. In the case of Barrett’s esophagus, chronic acid reflux induces this
change to protect the esophageal lining. While adaptive, metaplastic cells can potentially
progress to dysplasia if the stimulus persists.
3. What is the primary mechanism of cellular injury caused by free radicals?
A. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
B. Increased intracellular calcium
C. Reduced ATP production
D. Lactic acid accumulation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that
damage cellular components through oxidative stress. They specifically cause lipid
peroxidation, which destroys the integrity of the cell membrane. This damage can also
affect proteins and DNA, leading to mutations or cell death.
4. Which type of necrosis is most commonly associated with hypoxic injury in the brain?
A. Coagulative necrosis
B. Fat necrosis
, C. Caseous necrosis
D. Liquefactive necrosis
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Liquefactive necrosis typically occurs in the brain due to the high
lipid and enzyme content of neural tissue. As cells die, they are rapidly digested by
hydrolytic enzymes, resulting in a soft, liquid-filled cyst. In contrast, coagulative necrosis is
more common in the heart or kidneys following ischemia.
5. Apoptosis is defined as:
A. Programmed cell death or ‘cellular suicide’
B. Accidental cell death caused by external injury
C. Cell death caused by lack of oxygen
D. Death resulting from severe inflammation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Apoptosis is a highly regulated, energy-dependent process of
programmed cell death. It allows the body to remove old, damaged, or unnecessary cells
without triggering a significant inflammatory response. This process is essential for normal
development and the prevention of cancer.
