What structures of the body deteriorate during disease?
1. Organs:
Organs are the main functional units of the body, and they can deteriorate during disease. This deterioration can be caused by infection, inflammation, or other pathological processes that disrupt organ function. Some examples of organs that can deteriorate during disease include:
- The liver, which can be damaged by alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, and other liver diseases
- The heart, which can be damaged by coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases
- The lungs, which can be damaged by smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia
- The kidneys, which can be damaged by kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and chronic kidney disease
2. Tissues:
Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. They can also deteriorate during disease. Some examples of tissues that can deteriorate during disease include:
- Muscle tissue, which can be damaged by muscular dystrophy, polio, and other neuromuscular disorders
- Nervous tissue, which can be damaged by stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders
- Connective tissue, which can be damaged by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases
3. Cells:
Cells are the basic building blocks of the body, and they can also deteriorate during disease. This deterioration can be caused by genetic defects, environmental toxins, or other factors that damage cell structure or function. Some examples of cells that can deteriorate during disease include:
- Red blood cells, which can be damaged by anemia, sickle cell disease, and other blood disorders
- White blood cells, which can be damaged by leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancer
- Epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of the body and can be damaged by cancer, infection, and other diseases
4. extracellular matrix:
The extracellular matrix is the non-cellular component of tissues and organs.
It provides structural support, regulates cell growth and differentiation and facilitates communication between cells.
The ECM can be affected by a variety of diseases, including:
Cancer: Cancer cells can produce enzymes that break down the ECM, allowing the cancer cells to invade and spread.
Connective tissue disorders: Connective tissue disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can cause inflammation and damage to the ECM.
Aging: The ECM undergoes changes with aging, including a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging.