Topics for Anatomy and Physiology
Find educational topics for Anatomy and Physiology aligned with the Zambian tertiary curriculum.
Hepatic Cysts: Simple, Hydatid, and Polycystic
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Hepatic cysts are common incidental findings, but may be complex (hydatid, neoplastic) or part of polycystic disease. For Zambian students, DISTINGUISHING BENIGN SIMPLE CYSTS from HYDATID CYSTS (Echinococcus) is critical—misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate aspiration (anaphylaxis, dissemination). SIMPLE HEPATIC CYSTS: PATHOLOGY: benign, congenital, lined by cuboidal epithelium. CLINICAL: INCIDENTAL (95%). Large …
Hepatic Adenoma
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Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare, benign, clonal proliferation of hepatocytes, strongly associated with ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USE and other hormonal influences (androgens, pregnancy). For Zambian students, HCA is an important consideration in young women with a liver mass—distinction from FOCAL NODULAR HYPERPLASIA (FNH) is critical, as HCA carries RISK OF …
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia
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Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is the SECOND MOST COMMON benign liver tumour (after haemangioma), a polyclonal, regenerative hepatocellular response to a local vascular anomaly (arterial malformation). For Zambian students, FNH is a CRITICAL DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS of HEPATIC ADENOMA—FNH is BENIGN, NO MALIGNANT POTENTIAL, NO RUPTURE RISK, and does NOT require …
Hepatic Hemangioma
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Hepatic hemangioma is the MOST COMMON benign liver tumour, a congenital vascular malformation (cavernous venous channels) with NO malignant potential. For Zambian students, it is a FREQUENT INCIDENTAL FINDING on ultrasound. Recognition prevents unnecessary anxiety, biopsy (haemorrhage risk), and surgery. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Benign, non-neoplastic. Endothelial-lined vascular channels, slow-flow. Size: small (<5cm), …
Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy
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Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is an endoscopic finding in patients with portal hypertension, characterized by a SNAKESKIN or MOSAIC-LIKE PATTERN of the gastric mucosa, with or without red spots. For Zambian students, PHG is a COMMON, OFTEN OVERLOOKED cause of CHRONIC GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING in cirrhotic patients. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: PORTAL HYPERTENSION → …
Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia
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Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE, 'watermelon stomach') is an uncommon but important cause of CHRONIC, SEVERE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING and IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA. For Zambian students, GAVE is distinct from PHG and requires different management. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Idiopathic. Associated with CIRRHOSIS (30%, especially primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis), connective tissue disease (scleroderma), …
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, TH2-mediated, antigen-driven esophageal disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation (>15 eosinophils/HPF). For Zambian students, EoE is an EMERGING DIAGNOSIS in adults with DYSPHAGIA and FOOD IMPACTION. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Food antigens (milk, wheat, egg, soy) trigger Th2 response → IL-5, IL-13 → …
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that develops when reflux of gastric contents causes TROUBLESOME SYMPTOMS (heartburn, regurgitation) and/or COMPLICATIONS (esophagitis, stricture, Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma). For Zambian students, GERD is a DAILY, OFTEN SUBOPTIMALLY MANAGED condition, with increasing prevalence parallel to obesity and metabolic syndrome. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: MULTIFACTORIAL: TRANSIENT LOWER …
Barrett's Esophagus
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Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a metaplastic change in which NORMAL SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM of the distal esophagus is replaced by COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM WITH INTESTINAL METAPLASIA (goblet cells), a complication of chronic GERD. For Zambian students, BE is the ONLY KNOWN PRECURSOR to ESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA, but the risk in African populations is …