ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam

The primary causes of cellular injury include hypoxia, toxins, infection, and physical injury because these factors can disrupt the normal functioning of cells and lead to cellular damage or death.

Hypoxia, or a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, can severely impair cellular metabolism and energy production, ultimately resulting in cell injury. Toxins, whether from external sources or internal metabolic processes, can disrupt cellular structures and functions, causing damage. Infection can lead to cellular injury through the direct effects of pathogens on the cells, along with the inflammatory response that can result from an immune reaction. Physical injury encompasses a range of traumatic events, such as cuts, lacerations, or impacts, which can damage cell membranes and disrupt cellular integrity.

These factors are fundamentally interconnected with many cellular processes and are well-documented in the pathology of diseases. Understanding these causes helps in identifying protective strategies and therapeutic interventions for cellular health.