֎ Pathophysiology Lecture Notes
Introduction:
• Pathophysiology is the study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result
of disease or injury.
• It explores the underlying mechanisms and processes that lead to the development and
progression of various health conditions.
• Understanding pathophysiology is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide
effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases.
•
I. Cellular Adaptation and Injury:
A. Cellular Adaptation:
1. Hypertrophy: Increase in cell size due to increased workload or hormonal stimulation.
2. Hyperplasia: Increase in cell number due to increased demand or hormonal stimulation.
3. Atrophy: Decrease in cell size or number due to decreased workload or aging.
4. Metaplasia: Conversion of one cell type to another in response to chronic irritation or
stress.
5. Dysplasia: Abnormal changes in cell size, shape, and organization, often considered a
precancerous condition.
B. Cellular Injury:
1. Causes of cellular injury: Physical agents, chemical agents, biological agents, genetic
factors, nutritional imbalance, and immunological reactions.
2. Mechanisms of cellular injury: Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane
damage, DNA damage, and inflammation.
