(SEM II) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (THEORY)

SECTION A – Short Answer Section

This section contains short conceptual questions that test the basic understanding of disease mechanisms and pathological conditions. Students must answer briefly. These questions focus on definitions, causes of diseases, and basic pathological terms used in pathophysiology.

Question 1: What is Atrophy?

Answer:
Atrophy is the decrease in the size of cells, tissues, or organs due to reduced cell activity. It may occur because of lack of nutrition, reduced blood supply, aging, or lack of physical activity.

Question 2: Define COPD.

Answer:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It mainly includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is commonly caused by smoking or long-term exposure to air pollution.

Question 3: What is Megaloblastic Anemia?

Answer:
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia caused by deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid, leading to the formation of large, abnormal red blood cells called megaloblasts.

SECTION B – Long Answer Section

This section requires students to explain disease mechanisms and pathological conditions in detail. Students need to describe causes, mechanisms, symptoms, and possible treatments.

Question 1: What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Answer:
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

Causes:

Poor dietary intake of iron

Blood loss (menstruation, injury, ulcers)

Poor iron absorption

Symptoms:

Fatigue

Weakness

Pale skin

Shortness of breath

Treatment:
Iron supplements and iron-rich foods such as spinach, meat, and legumes.

Question 2: Define Hepatitis and explain its types.

Answer:
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infection.

Types of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water.

Hepatitis B: Spread through blood, sexual contact, or infected needles.

Hepatitis C: Mainly spread through infected blood.

Hepatitis D: Occurs with hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis E: Spread through contaminated water.

Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Question 3: Explain Hypoxia Mediated Cell Injury.

Answer:
Hypoxia occurs when cells do not receive enough oxygen.

Lack of oxygen affects ATP production, leading to cell damage.

Effects of hypoxia:

Decreased ATP production

Failure of sodium-potassium pump

Cellular swelling

Eventually cell death if oxygen supply is not restored

Hypoxia is commonly caused by ischemia, respiratory diseases, or anemia.

SECTION C – Descriptive Section

This section tests detailed understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology. Students must explain disease processes, symptoms, and complications.

Question 1: Explain the Pathophysiology of Asthma.

Answer:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.

Mechanism:

Allergens trigger immune response

Airway inflammation occurs

Bronchial muscles constrict (bronchospasm)

Mucus production increases

These changes cause narrowing of airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Question 2: What is Peptic Ulcer?

Answer:
A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion in the stomach or duodenum lining.

Causes:

Infection by Helicobacter pylori

Excess stomach acid

Long-term use of NSAIDs

Symptoms:

Burning stomach pain

Nausea

Loss of appetite

If untreated, ulcers can lead to bleeding or perforation.

Question 3: Write a short note on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Answer:
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking ability, and behavior.

Causes:

Degeneration of brain neurons

Formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

Symptoms:

Memory loss

Confusion

Difficulty performing daily activities

It mainly affects elderly individuals and gradually worsens over time.