Cell Adaptations
is involved.hypertrophied organ has no new cells, just larger cells. Theincreased size of the cells is due to the synthesis and assemblyof additional intracellular structural components. Cellscapable of division may respond to stress by undergoingboth hyperplasia (described later) and hypertrophy, whereasnondividing cells (e.g., myocardial fibers) increase tissuemass due to hypertrophy. In many...
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Question 1
Which type of hypertrophy occurs in response to increased workload in muscles?
Explanation
Pathologic hypertrophy occurs when muscle cells respond to increased workload, typically leading to further health issues if sustained.
Question 2
What primarily triggers the hypertrophy of the uterus during pregnancy?
Explanation
Uterine hypertrophy is stimulated by estrogenic hormones during pregnancy, which lead to enlargement of smooth muscle fibers.
Question 3
What is a characteristic response to increased metabolic demands in individual cardiac muscle cells?
Explanation
Cardiac muscle cells primarily respond to increased metabolic demands by undergoing hypertrophy, which enlarges the cells.
Question 4
What distinguishes hyperplasia from hypertrophy?
Explanation
Hyperplasia is characterized by an increase in the number of cells, while hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of existing cells.
Question 5
What is hypertrophy?
Explanation
Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of individual cells, not the number of cells or a decrease in size.
Question 6
A bodybuilder notices significant muscle growth after several months of increased training. This increase is primarily the result of cellular changes due to regular exercise. Which mechanism is responsible for the hypertrophy observed in his skeletal muscles?
Explanation
The primary mechanism responsible for the hypertrophy observed in the bodybuilder's muscles is the enlargement of existing muscle fibers through protein synthesis as a response to the increased workload. This results from the action of growth factors and mechanical sensors, which stimulate increased protein production within the existing cells. The other options incorrectly attribute hypertrophy to cell division or misinterpret the changes in myofilament count and hyperplasia, which are not predominant in this scenario.
Question 7
A patient is diagnosed with pathologic hypertrophy of the heart due to chronic hypertension. Over time, the heart's ability to compensate deteriorates, eventually leading to heart failure. Which pathway initiated this pathologic change, and why might it become maladaptive?
Explanation
The correct pathway that initiated the pathologic change is the stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptor pathways, which leads to increased muscle mass and initial improvement in muscle strength. However, this becomes maladaptive because it ultimately results in excessive stress and degradation of myofibrillar elements, leading to heart failure. The other options incorrectly address the mechanisms involved or misrepresent the physiological processes, failing to connect the increased load to the eventual cardiac dysfunction.
Question 8
[Case Scenario] A 60-year-old male patient presents with symptoms of hypertensive heart disease, showing signs of heart failure. Recent echocardiogram results indicate significant thickening of the left ventricle. The attending physician explains that this condition, known as cardiac hypertrophy, occurs because heart muscle cells (myocytes) respond to increased workload by growing larger without increasing in number. As the treatment plan is discussed, the physician highlights the role of various signaling pathways and growth factors in the development of hypertrophy. The patient expresses concern over the long-term impacts of this condition. Question: Which of the following statements best explains the eventual outcome of untreated pathologic cardiac hypertrophy in this patient?
Explanation
In patients with pathologic cardiac hypertrophy, the heart muscle initially increases in size to cope with increased workload, improving function temporarily. However, over time, the heart cannot maintain this adaptation leading to potential degenerative changes and heart failure due to sustained stress on the myocardium.
Question 9
[Case Scenario] A woman in her early thirties presents to her gynecologist with concerns about irregular menstrual bleeding. Upon examination, it's noted that she has endometrial hyperplasia, characterized by an increase in the number of endometrial cells. The gynecologist explains to her that this condition is often related to hormonal imbalances. It is highlighted that estrogen plays a crucial role in this proliferation process. The physician emphasizes the importance of addressing the hormonal imbalance to prevent further complications. Question: What is the most likely consequence of not addressing the hormonal imbalance causing the endometrial hyperplasia for this patient?
Explanation
Endometrial hyperplasia is a response to hormonal imbalance, particularly excess estrogen. If left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer, as continuous stimulation leads to excessive cell proliferation that may become dysregulated.
Question 10
[Case Scenario] An athlete visits a sports medicine clinic due to frequent muscle strains. After assessment, the physician advises him on the importance of proper training to mitigate the risk of injury. The athlete learns that through consistent, increased workloads, his muscle fibers can undergo hypertrophy, enhancing strength. The doctor explains the difference between physiological hypertrophy from exercise and pathological changes that can happen in response to stressors or injuries. Question: Based on the information provided, how would the athlete best distinguish between physiological and pathological hypertrophy?
Explanation
Physiological hypertrophy is a healthy response to increased workload, leading to enhanced muscle performance without adverse effects. In contrast, pathological hypertrophy occurs in response to chronic stress or injury, possibly leading to tissue dysfunction, highlighting the importance of recognizing the cause and consequences of muscle changes.