Reference no: EM133709427
Anatomy & Physiology
CASE STUDY
Introduction:
A tissue is a collection of cells of similar structure organized to carry out one or more functions. Although it is frequently said that the cell is the body's basic functional unit, the tissues, through their cells' collaborative efforts, are responsible for maintaining body functions.
Histology is the study of tissue. The human body contains over 200 different types of cells. All body cells can be categorized into four primary groups that comprise four basic tissue types.
The four classes of tissue can be remembered using the acronym "C-MEN":
- C: Connective tissue
- M: Muscle tissue
- E: Epithelial tissue
- N: Nervous tissue
Here are the four classes of tissue, based primarily on the functions of each.
Epithelial tissue
• Lines all body cavities
• Covers body surfaces
• Forms glands
• Several subtypes
Connective tissue
• Underlies or supports the other three basic tissues, both structurally and functionally
• Provides support and protection of organs and organ systems
• The most diverse tissue type
• Several subtypes, such as blood and bone
Muscle tissue
• It is made up of contractile cells and is responsible for body movement and the movement of substances throughout the body
• Three subtypes: smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle
Nervous tissue
• Receives, transmits, and integrates information from outside and inside the body to control the body's activities
• Functions in conducting electrical impulses
• Processes information
Scenario/Summary
The following case study discusses how tissue pathology leads to diseases such as cancer.
Mr. Johnson, a 58-year-old male, presents to the gastroenterology clinic with a complaint of chronic heartburn and regurgitation for the past two years. He describes a burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals, and occasional regurgitation of sour-tasting fluid. Over-the-counter antacids provide temporary relief, but the symptoms persist. Mr. Johnson reports a history of smoking and occasional alcohol consumption.
Upon further questioning, Mr. Johnson discloses that he has a first-degree relative who was recently diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Concerned about his persistent symptoms and family history, he undergoes an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The endoscopy reveals the presence of visible changes in the distal esophagus, characterized by salmon-colored mucosa extending upward from the gastroesophageal junction.
A biopsy is performed during the endoscopy, and the histopathological examination confirms the presence of metaplastic columnar epithelium with goblet cells, consistent with Barrett's esophagus. The gastroenterologist discusses the diagnosis with Mr. Johnson, explaining the increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus.
A comprehensive management plan is initiated, including lifestyle modifications, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy to control acid reflux, and regular surveillance endoscopies to monitor for dysplastic changes. Mr. Johnson is counseled on the importance of smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake to decrease the risk of disease progression.
Deliverables
Please address the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Normally, what type of tissue is found at the gastroesophageal junction (GE-junction)?
2. Define adenocarcinoma, metaplasia, and dysplasia.
3. Explain why Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to arise from the upper and middle portions of the esophagus.
4. Name, in detail, the locations in the body where you would find simple columnar epithelium.
5. Using only the clinical vignette, list the risk factors that contributed to this client developing Barrett's esophagus.