***QUIZ CH 2***
1. Define neoplasia and neoplasm.
Answer:
Neoplasia: The process of uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth
that does not respond to normal regulatory mechanisms.
Neoplasm: The actual mass or collection of abnormal cells
formed as a result of neoplasia; also called a tumor (benign or
malignant).
Deep Understanding:
“Neo” = new, “plasia” = growth.
Neoplasia is the process, neoplasm is the product.
Not all neoplasms are cancerous (e.g., benign tumors).
2. Define proliferation and differentiation.
Answer:
Proliferation: Increase in cell number through mitotic division.
Differentiation: The process by which cells become specialized in
structure and function.
Deep Understanding:
Cancer cells have uncontrolled proliferation and loss of
differentiation (anaplasia).
Think: Proliferation = “making copies,” Differentiation = “deciding a
career.”
3. Three main groups of cells that proliferate:
1. Well-differentiated cells (neurons, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle)
— do not divide after maturity.
2. Continuously dividing (labile) cells (skin, GI tract, bone marrow).
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-14-2025 06:37:10 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251189135/Pathophysiology-Module-2-Quizdocx/
, 3. Stable cells (liver, kidney) — divide when stimulated, such as after
injury.
4. Progenitor cells:
Early descendants of stem cells that can differentiate into specific cell
types but cannot self-renew indefinitely.
Serve as an intermediate stage between stem cells and fully
differentiated cells.
5. Benefits of stem cells:
1. Self-renewal — can make more stem cells.
2. Multipotency/pluripotency — can become multiple types of
specialized cells.
Why important: Essential for tissue repair, regeneration, and certain
cancer research therapies.
6. What is a polyp?
A growth projecting from a mucosal surface (e.g., colon, nasal cavity).
May be benign or pre-malignant depending on cell type.
7. Explain metastasis and how it occurs:
Spread of cancer from primary site to distant sites.
Steps:
1. Local invasion
2. Intravasation into blood/lymph
3. Survival in circulation
4. Extravasation into new tissue
5. Colonization and angiogenesis
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-14-2025 06:37:10 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251189135/Pathophysiology-Module-2-Quizdocx/
1. Define neoplasia and neoplasm.
Answer:
Neoplasia: The process of uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth
that does not respond to normal regulatory mechanisms.
Neoplasm: The actual mass or collection of abnormal cells
formed as a result of neoplasia; also called a tumor (benign or
malignant).
Deep Understanding:
“Neo” = new, “plasia” = growth.
Neoplasia is the process, neoplasm is the product.
Not all neoplasms are cancerous (e.g., benign tumors).
2. Define proliferation and differentiation.
Answer:
Proliferation: Increase in cell number through mitotic division.
Differentiation: The process by which cells become specialized in
structure and function.
Deep Understanding:
Cancer cells have uncontrolled proliferation and loss of
differentiation (anaplasia).
Think: Proliferation = “making copies,” Differentiation = “deciding a
career.”
3. Three main groups of cells that proliferate:
1. Well-differentiated cells (neurons, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle)
— do not divide after maturity.
2. Continuously dividing (labile) cells (skin, GI tract, bone marrow).
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-14-2025 06:37:10 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251189135/Pathophysiology-Module-2-Quizdocx/
, 3. Stable cells (liver, kidney) — divide when stimulated, such as after
injury.
4. Progenitor cells:
Early descendants of stem cells that can differentiate into specific cell
types but cannot self-renew indefinitely.
Serve as an intermediate stage between stem cells and fully
differentiated cells.
5. Benefits of stem cells:
1. Self-renewal — can make more stem cells.
2. Multipotency/pluripotency — can become multiple types of
specialized cells.
Why important: Essential for tissue repair, regeneration, and certain
cancer research therapies.
6. What is a polyp?
A growth projecting from a mucosal surface (e.g., colon, nasal cavity).
May be benign or pre-malignant depending on cell type.
7. Explain metastasis and how it occurs:
Spread of cancer from primary site to distant sites.
Steps:
1. Local invasion
2. Intravasation into blood/lymph
3. Survival in circulation
4. Extravasation into new tissue
5. Colonization and angiogenesis
This study source was downloaded by 100000901307859 from CourseHero.com on 10-14-2025 06:37:10 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/251189135/Pathophysiology-Module-2-Quizdocx/
