Pathophys Recitation Questions

Front

During an examination of a tissue biopsy from a patient, you observe that the tissue consists of cells that are much larger in number compared to a normal tissue sample. Based upon this observation, which type of change has occurred in the tissue?

Back

Hyperplasia

Front

Briefly describe an example of the general appearance of cells in a tissue exhibiting metaplasia.

Back

A uniform change in tissue cell type to a different cell type. Such as soft palate tissue changing to osseous tissue.

Front

During an autopsy of a patient, you observe many tissues with large deposits of calcium. You also note that his blood serum calcium levels are very elevated. Based on your knowledge of calcification, which type occurred in these lesions?

Back

Metastatic calcification

Front

While examining a tissue biopsy you notice that many cells are dead and seem to have burst open and their cellular contents have spilled out into the extracellular environment. What type of death do you believe these cells underwent?

Back

Necrotic cell death

Front

ATP depletion is a consequence in many cases of cellular injury. What would you tend to believe occurs in cells that have undergone significant depletion of ATP? (i.e., what are the major consequences of ATP depletion?)

Back

Sodium/Potassium pumps (Na+/K+ pumps) stop working, cells swell, neurons stop working, lactic acid buildup. (Lactate can lead to damage of nucleic acids, cell membranes, and proteins)

Front

While examining a tissue sample, you observe the presence of coagulation necrosis in the tissue. Based upon this, what can you conclude about the sample.

Back

Proteins denature because of acidosis and coagulate to form dead masses of cells. (Necrosis = cells bursting, releasing their contents)

Front

What are some of the outcomes as a consequence of free radicals being produced due to cellular injury?

Back

Damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and cell membranes, more free radicals produced

Front

While examining a group of dying cells, you observe that many of the cells contain activated intracellular digestive enzymes which are responsible for the death of these cells. Which mechanism may be responsible for causing the death of these cells?

Back

Apoptosis. On a larger scale (many cells in a tissue), it may be the result of the Ca²⁺ cascade

Front

You've been studying a cell line derived from a neoplasm obtained from a patient. Interestingly, you observe that the cancer cells have all depleted a particular gene. You further determine that this gene is responsible for the prevention of normal cells turning into cancer cells. Based upon this info, which phrase best describes the gene which was deleted in these cancer cells?

Back

A tumor suppressor gene

Front

A tumor biopsy seems to consist of cells where a single gene has been mutated. Interestingly, the mutated gene seems to code for a protein that now is permanently turned on and constantly stimulates cells to divide. Based upon this information, which phrase would best describe the gene?

Back

An oncogene. The result of a mutated proto-oncogene.