Summary Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Study Guide – 2nd Year Bachelor of Medicine

Pathophysiology & Pharmacology Study
Guide
2nd Year Bachelor of Medicine

PART I: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Core Concepts & Approach

1. Cellular Pathophysiology

 Cell injury mechanisms: Hypoxia, chemical toxins, physical agents, infectious agents,
immunologic reactions, genetic defects, nutritional imbalances
 Cellular adaptations: Atrophy, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, metaplasia, dysplasia
 Cell death: Necrosis vs. apoptosis - mechanisms and morphological features
 Cellular accumulations: Lipids, proteins, glycogen, pigments

2. Inflammation & Repair

 Acute inflammation: Vascular changes, cellular events, chemical mediators
 Chronic inflammation: Causes, morphologic features, cells involved
 Wound healing: Primary vs. secondary intention, factors affecting healing
 Fever pathophysiology: Pyrogens, hypothalamic response, benefits vs. risks

3. Hemodynamic Disorders

 Edema: Mechanisms (increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure,
lymphatic obstruction, increased vascular permeability)
 Hyperemia vs. congestion: Active vs. passive processes
 Hemorrhage: Classification, consequences
 Thrombosis: Virchow's triad, types, outcomes
 Embolism: Types, pulmonary embolism pathophysiology
 Infarction: Red vs. white infarcts, factors determining outcome

System-Specific Pathophysiology

Cardiovascular System

 Heart failure: Systolic vs. diastolic dysfunction, compensatory mechanisms, clinical
manifestations
 Myocardial infarction: Pathogenesis, zones of injury, complications

,  Hypertension: Primary vs. secondary, vascular changes, target organ damage
 Atherosclerosis: Risk factors, pathogenesis, complications
 Arrhythmias: Basic electrophysiology, common mechanisms

Respiratory System

 Asthma: Pathophysiology, triggers, airway remodeling
 COPD: Emphysema vs. chronic bronchitis, pathogenetic mechanisms
 Pneumonia: Host defenses, pathogen-host interactions
 Pulmonary edema: Cardiogenic vs. non-cardiogenic causes
 Respiratory failure: Type I vs. Type II, mechanisms

Renal System

 Acute kidney injury: Pre-renal, intrinsic, post-renal causes
 Chronic kidney disease: Progression, complications, mineral bone disease
 Glomerular diseases: Basic pathophysiology, proteinuria mechanisms
 Acid-base disorders: Metabolic vs. respiratory, compensation mechanisms
 Fluid and electrolyte imbalances: Sodium, potassium, calcium disorders

Gastrointestinal System

 Peptic ulcer disease: H. pylori, NSAIDs, stress ulcers
 Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's vs. ulcerative colitis
 Liver pathophysiology: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension
 Malabsorption syndromes: Mechanisms, consequences
 Diarrhea: Secretory, osmotic, inflammatory, motility disorders

Endocrine System

 Diabetes mellitus: Type 1 vs. Type 2 pathophysiology, complications
 Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism mechanisms
 Adrenal disorders: Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome
 Calcium homeostasis: PTH, vitamin D, calcitonin interactions

Nervous System

 Stroke: Ischemic vs. hemorrhagic, penumbra concept
 Seizures: Basic mechanisms, classification
 Increased intracranial pressure: Causes, consequences, herniation syndromes
 Neurotransmitter disorders: Basic concepts for major systems