What cellular adaptation occurs in the muscle cells when a limb is in a cast for several weeks?
Metaplasia
Hyperplasia
Atrophy
Hypertrophy
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Metaplasia is the reversible replacement of one differentiated cell type with another, usually as an adaptive response to chronic irritation or stress (e.g., in the respiratory tract of smokers). Muscle cells do not undergo metaplasia when immobilized in a cast.
B. Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells, leading to tissue enlargement. Muscle cells are generally unable to increase in number; instead, they respond by changing size, not cell count.
C. Atrophy is a decrease in cell size and function due to reduced use, nutrition, or stimulation. When a limb is immobilized in a cast, muscle cells are not being regularly stimulated, resulting in muscle wasting, weakness, and decreased tissue mass. This is a classic example of disuse atrophy.
D. Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size and tissue mass, often in response to increased workload or demand, such as weight training. A casted limb experiences reduced activity, making hypertrophy impossible in this scenario.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This describes pathogenesis, which is the development and progression of disease at the cellular and tissue levels. Pathogenesis focuses on how a disease originates and evolves, not on prevention.
B. This describes the subclinical or latent stage of disease, where damage is occurring but the individual shows no observable symptoms. This is not related to prophylactic measures.
C. Prophylaxis refers to actions or interventions taken to prevent disease or reduce the risk of spreading infection. Examples include vaccinations, taking antibiotics before surgery, practicing hand hygiene, or using protective equipment. Prophylactic measures are an essential component of public health and preventive medicine.
D. This describes predisposing factors, which are risk factors that increase susceptibility to a disease but are not preventative measures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Norepinephrine is released by the sympathetic nervous system during stress and primarily functions to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. It does not directly suppress inflammation.
B. Antidiuretic hormone regulates water retention in the kidneys to maintain fluid balance and blood pressure but does not significantly influence the inflammatory response.
C. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. It plays a central role in modulating the immune system by suppressing inflammation. Cortisol inhibits cytokine production, reduces leukocyte migration, decreases capillary permeability, and suppresses antibody production and T-cell activity. These effects prevent excessive tissue damage, conserve energy, and prioritize the body’s physiological resources for immediate stress adaptation. Chronic elevation of cortisol can lead to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
D. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that regulates sodium and water reabsorption to maintain blood pressure. It does not have anti-inflammatory effects.
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