Unit 1314: Pathophysiology Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Pathophysiology

• Definition and scope of pathophysiology
• Relationship between normal physiology and disease
• Homeostasis and its disruption
• Levels of disease processes: cellular, tissue, organ, systemic

2. Cellular Adaptations and Injury

• Types of cellular adaptations: hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia
• Causes and mechanisms of cellular injury
• Reversible vs irreversible injury
• Cell death: apoptosis and necrosis
• Cellular aging and its implications

3. Inflammation and Immune Response

• Acute vs chronic inflammation
• Cellular and chemical mediators of inflammation
• Signs and systemic effects of inflammation
• Innate and adaptive immunity overview
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Immune system disorders

4. Genetic Disorders and Inherited Diseases

• Fundamentals of genetics relevant to pathophysiology
• Types of genetic mutations and their consequences
• Patterns of inheritance: autosomal dominant, recessive, X-linked
• Common inherited diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia)
• Genetic testing and counseling

5. Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

• Structure and function of the cardiovascular system
• Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
• Heart failure and cardiomyopathies
• Hypertension and its effects
• Arrhythmias and conduction disorders

6. Respiratory Pathophysiology

• Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
• Obstructive vs restrictive lung diseases
• Pathophysiology of asthma, COPD, pneumonia
• Gas exchange abnormalities
• Pulmonary hypertension and embolism

7. Neurological Disorders

• Overview of nervous system structure and function
• Pathophysiology of stroke and cerebrovascular disease
• Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
• Seizure disorders
• Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries

8. Endocrine Disorders

• Overview of endocrine system and hormone regulation
• Diabetes mellitus pathophysiology
• Thyroid disorders (hypo- and hyperthyroidism)
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Pituitary gland dysfunction

9. Renal Pathophysiology

• Kidney structure and function
• Acute kidney injury vs chronic kidney disease
• Glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome
• Electrolyte and acid-base imbalances
• Dialysis and renal replacement therapies

10. Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Anatomy and physiology of the GI tract
• Pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Liver diseases: hepatitis, cirrhosis
• Disorders of motility and absorption