Rasmussen Pathophysiology Exam 1
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2024/2025 | 100% Pass
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
✔✔ The plasma membrane serves as a barrier that regulates the entry and exit of substances,
maintaining the cell's internal environment.
How does homeostasis contribute to overall health?
✔✔ Homeostasis maintains stable internal conditions, such as temperature and pH, which is
crucial for optimal cellular function and overall health.
What is the role of inflammation in the body's response to injury?
✔✔ Inflammation helps protect the body by increasing blood flow, delivering immune cells to
the site of injury, and facilitating healing processes.
What are the stages of the inflammatory response?
✔✔ The stages of the inflammatory response include vascular changes (increased blood flow),
cellular response (migration of white blood cells), and the formation of exudate.
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,How do genetic mutations contribute to the development of cancer?
✔✔ Genetic mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, disrupting normal cell
cycle regulation and promoting tumor formation.
What is apoptosis, and how does it differ from necrosis?
✔✔ Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs in a controlled manner, while necrosis is
uncontrolled cell death due to injury or disease, often resulting in inflammation.
What factors can lead to hypoxia in tissues?
✔✔ Hypoxia can result from decreased oxygen delivery, reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of
the blood, or impaired oxygen utilization by cells.
How do free radicals contribute to oxidative stress?
✔✔ Free radicals can damage cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading
to oxidative stress, which is associated with various diseases.
What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier?
✔✔ The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential
nutrients to pass through, maintaining the brain's environment.
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,How does the endocrine system regulate metabolic processes?
✔✔ The endocrine system releases hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target
organs, regulating processes such as metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
What are the common causes of edema in the body?
✔✔ Edema can occur due to increased capillary permeability, elevated hydrostatic pressure,
reduced oncotic pressure, or lymphatic obstruction.
How can dehydration affect cellular function?
✔✔ Dehydration can lead to decreased cell turgor, impaired metabolic processes, and altered
electrolyte balance, affecting overall cellular function.
What is the role of cytokines in the immune response?
✔✔ Cytokines are signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immune responses, influencing
cell communication and the activation of immune cells.
What are the main differences between innate and adaptive immunity?
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, ✔✔ Innate immunity provides immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens, while
adaptive immunity involves a delayed response, specifically targeting pathogens with memory
for future encounters.
What are the potential consequences of chronic inflammation?
✔✔ Chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage, fibrosis, and the development of diseases
such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
How does the body respond to stress at the physiological level?
✔✔ The body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing stress
hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for a fight-or-flight response.
What is the role of macrophages in the immune system?
✔✔ Macrophages are phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris,
playing a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity.
What are the clinical manifestations of shock?
✔✔ Clinical manifestations of shock may include hypotension, tachycardia, altered mental
status, cool and clammy skin, and decreased urine output.
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