– Simplify it into 7 core concepts. – Focus on patterns, not memorization. – Ready to break it down? Let’s go!
– Cells adapt to stress in predictable ways. – Hypertrophy = bigger cells. Hyperplasia = more cells. – Atrophy = shrinkage. Metaplasia = change in cell type. – Know why and when these changes happen.
– Reversible vs. irreversible injury is key. – Necrosis = messy death (inflammation). – Apoptosis = clean, programmed death. – Each necrosis type hints at disease (e.g. fat = pancreatitis).
– Acute: Neutrophils dominate. Quick response. – Chronic: Lymphocytes, macrophages, fibrosis. – Healing: Regeneration or scar formation. – Know signals like VEGF, TGF-β in repair.
– Benign = localized. Malignant = invasive/spreading. – Hallmarks: uncontrolled growth, evading apoptosis. – Oncogenes (gain of function), tumor suppressors (loss of function). – Think p53, Rb, Ras – the key players.
– Apply general concepts to each organ system. – Example: Atherosclerosis in CV, glomerulonephritis in Renal. – Learn how path looks, feels, and tests. – Integrate clinical signs, labs, and histology.