Concepts in Pathophysiology Quiz

The lymphatic system filters lymph (a clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system) and returns it to the bloodstream, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the body.

The RAAS regulates blood pressure and fluid balance by controlling the constriction and dilation of blood vessels and promoting the retention of sodium and water by the kidneys.

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested by lipase enzymes in the small intestine.

Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ due to increased cell division and proliferation in response to certain stimuli or growth factors.

Inflammation involves increased permeability of blood vessels, allowing fluid and cells to move to the affected area.

Gluconeogenesis, the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, primarily occurs in the liver, ensuring a constant supply of glucose for the body, especially during fasting or periods of low carbohydrate intake.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction of the affected organs.

Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs, preventing their collapse during exhalation and facilitating gas exchange by promoting the movement of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) across the alveolar membrane.

Platelet aggregation is a critical step in the coagulation cascade, where platelets clump together at the site of blood vessel injury to form a plug, preventing further blood loss.

Cytokines are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in the immune response by promoting inflammation, recruiting immune cells to the site of infection or injury, and regulating various immune processes.

Erythropoietin, produced mainly by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood, stimulates the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in the bone marrow, ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to tissues.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain or peripheral nervous system, leading to a decline in cognitive or motor function.