6. Define Diabetes mellitus (Pancreas Pathology)
7. Differentiate Atherosclerosis, Arteriosclerosis and Stenosis
8. What is Dextrocardia? And Situs Inversus? Differentiate
9. What is aneurysm? Give 2 examples and define each example.
10. Define Thrombus? Is it dangerous? Defend your answer
6. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) due to either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body's inability to effectively use insulin. There are different types of diabetes mellitus, including type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas) and type 2 diabetes (where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin).
7. Atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and stenosis are all related to the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, but they have distinct differences:
- Atherosclerosis: This is a condition where plaque (composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This can restrict blood flow to vital organs and tissues, leading to various complications, such as heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
- Arteriosclerosis: Arteriosclerosis is a broader term that refers to the general thickening and hardening of arterial walls. It can be caused by various factors, including aging, high blood pressure, *******, or high cholesterol levels. Arteriosclerosis can lead to reduced elasticity in the arteries and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Stenosis: Stenosis specifically refers to the narrowing of a blood vessel or a valve. It can occur due to atherosclerosis or other factors, such as inflammation or con******* abnormalities. Stenosis can restrict blood flow and lead to complications depending on the affected blood vessel or valve, such as coronary artery disease or aortic stenosis.
8. Dextrocardia is a rare condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of the left. It is a con******* abnormality that occurs during development. Situs inversus, on the other hand, refers to a condition where the internal organs are reversed or mirrored from their usual positions. In other words, the heart, liver, and other organs are on the opposite side of where they are typically found. Both dextrocardia and situs inversus can occur separately or together. Dextrocardia specifically refers to the abnormal position of the heart, while situs inversus involves the complete reversal of organ placement.
9. An aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel, usually caused by a weakening in the vessel wall. Two examples of aneurysms are:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): This is when the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the abdomen, develops a bulge or aneurysm. AAA can be asymptomatic but can also pose a significant risk if it ruptures, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Cerebral Aneurysm: Cerebral aneurysms occur in the blood vessels within the brain. They can be present without symptoms, but if they rupture, they can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency that can result in severe brain damage or even death.
10. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel, obstructing or blocking the blood flow. It typically occurs due to the inappropriate activation of the clotting process. While the formation of a thrombus is a natural defense mechanism to prevent excessive bleeding, it can be dangerous depending on its location and size. If a thrombus forms in a large blood vessel, such as in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or in a coronary artery (coronary thrombosis), it can disrupt blood flow and lead to serious complications. The danger of a thrombus lies in its potential to detach and travel through the bloodstream, causing an embolism and blocking blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart or brain, resulting in heart attack or stroke, respectively. Therefore, a thrombus can be considered dangerous due to its potential to cause significant harm if not treated promptly.