Pathophysiology UTA Exam 1
Questions and Answers
1. Atrophy is characterized by:
E) Cells decrease in size (Correct)
Explanation: Atrophy involves a reduction in cell size due to decreased
workload, blood supply, nutrition, hormonal, or nervous stimulation. It
still retains some function, but the cell shrinks.
Physiologic atrophy: Thymus gland in early childhood
Pathologic atrophy: Disuse, immobilization, or chronic illness
2. Hyperplasia is defined as:
E) Cells increase in number; mitosis occurs; cell size does not
change (Correct)
Explanation: Hyperplasia involves an increase in cell number due to
increased mitotic activity, often as a response to injury or hormonal
stimulation.
Examples: Liver regeneration after partial removal, uterine or mammary
gland enlargement during pregnancy.
3. Dysplasia is characterized by:
, E) Disordered cell growth, abnormal change in size, shape, and
organization (Correct)
Explanation: Dysplasia is considered a pre-cancerous change, often
caused by cell injury or irritation, and involves atypical hyperplasia. It is
not a normal adaptive process.
Examples: Cervical squamous dysplasia from HPV, abnormal breast cell
growth.
4. Metaplasia is:
E) Reversible change where one cell type transforms into another
for survival (Correct)
Explanation: Metaplasia results from chronic stress or irritation,
reprogramming stem cells to produce different cell types, which can be
a precursor to dysplasia or cancer.
Examples: Columnar to squamous cells in the lungs of smokers;
Barrett’s esophagus (squamous to columnar in response to reflux).
5. Hypoxia injury is characterized by:
E) Inadequate oxygenation of tissues (Correct)
Explanation: Hypoxia causes decreased mitochondrial function, reduced
ATP, and eventually cell death. It can result from ischemia or low oxygen
supply.
Clinical manifestations: Cyanosis, cognitive impairment, lethargy.
, 6. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are:
E) Normal byproducts of ATP production that can overwhelm
antioxidants, causing damage (Correct)
Explanation: Excessive ROS can lead to lipid peroxidation, protein
damage, and DNA fragmentation, contributing to diseases like
Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and Parkinson’s.
7. Ethanol (alcohol) effects include:
E) CNS depression and nutrient deficiencies, with liver
damage (Correct)
Explanation: Long-term alcohol use generates free radicals, causes fatty
infiltration, hepatomegaly, and can lead to irreversible liver damage.
8. Oncosis involves:
Na+ and H2O enter the cell, causing swelling and organ
distention (Correct)
Explanation: Oncosis is cellular swelling seen in conditions like high
fever or certain infections, often leading to cell rupture.
9. Fatty infiltration of the liver occurs when:
Lipids accumulate intracellularly, often due to alcohol or high-fat
diet (Correct)
Explanation: The liver’s inability to metabolize lipids leads to steatosis,
which can progress to cirrhosis.