Topics for Anatomy and Physiology
Find educational topics for Anatomy and Physiology aligned with the Zambian tertiary curriculum.
Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome
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Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare, benign disorder of defecation, characterized by CHRONIC CONSTIPATION, EXCESSIVE STRAINING, and a BENIGN RECTAL ULCER (or erythematous, polypoid lesion). For Zambian students, SRUS is a DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE, often misdiagnosed as malignancy, IBD, or infection. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Dysfunctional defecation, PARADOXICAL CONTRACTION (non-relaxation) of PUBORECTALIS …
Anogenital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata)
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Anogenital warts are BENIGN EPITHELIAL PROLIFERATIONS caused by HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV), primarily types 6 and 11 (low-risk). For Zambian students, they are EXTREMELY COMMON, frequently presenting to surgical, dermatology, and STI clinics. They are HIGHLY INFECTIOUS and have PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: HPV infects basal keratinocytes via microabrasions, viral replication induces …
Pruritus Ani
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Pruritus ani is an INTENSE, CHRONIC ITCHING of the perianal skin, a COMMON and DISTRESSING condition. For Zambian students, it is frequently encountered but often mismanaged. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Idiopathic (primary) or SECONDARY to dermatologic, infectious, anorectal, or dietary causes. SECONDARY CAUSES: DERMATOLOGIC: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (soaps, perfumes, topical anaesthetics). …
Fecal Incontinence
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Fecal incontinence (FI) is the INVOLUNTARY LOSS OF SOLID OR LIQUID STOOL, a DEVASTATING, STIGMATIZING condition affecting quality of life. For Zambian students, FI is UNDERREPORTED and UNDERDIAGNOSED. ETIOLOGY: NORMAL STOOL CONSISTENCY + NORMAL ANAL SPHINCTER + NORMAL PELVIC FLOOR + NORMAL RECTAL SENSATION + NORMAL COGNITION/MOBILITY. Disruption of any …
Chronic Constipation
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Chronic constipation is a COMMON, SYMPTOM-BASED disorder defined by ROME IV CRITERIA: ≥2 of: straining, lumpy/hard stools, sensation of incomplete evacuation, sensation of anorectal obstruction, manual manoeuvres, <3 defecations per week, for >3 months. For Zambian students, constipation is a DAILY CLINICAL PROBLEM. SUBTYPES: NORMAL TRANSIT CONSTIPATION (most common), SLOW …
Clostridium difficile Infection
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Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a TOXIN-MEDIATED, antibiotic-associated diarrheal disease, the MOST COMMON CAUSE of HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA. For Zambian students, CDI is UNDERDIAGNOSED, but likely EMERGING with increased antibiotic use, healthcare exposure, and immunocompromise (HIV, TB). PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Disruption of normal gut microbiota (antibiotics) → C. difficile overgrowth, produces TOXIN …
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Diagnosis and Management
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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, peanut, fish/shellfish) trigger Th2 response → IL-5, …
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
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Oropharyngeal dysphagia (transfer dysphagia) is difficulty initiating a swallow, transferring food from mouth to esophagus. For Zambian students, it is a COMMON NEUROLOGIC PRESENTATION, distinct from esophageal dysphagia. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Impaired oral preparatory, oral transit, or pharyngeal phase. CAUSES: NEUROLOGIC (80%): STROKE (most common), PARKINSON'S, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, ALS, DEMENTIA, POLIOMYELITIS, MYASTHENIA …
Esophageal Motility Disorders
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Esophageal motility disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by ABNORMAL ESOPHAGEAL CONTRACTILITY or RELAXATION, causing DYSPHAGIA and CHEST PAIN. For Zambian students, diagnosis is challenging as HIGH-RESOLUTION MANOMETRY (HRM) is NOT AVAILABLE; recognition relies on CLINICAL PRESENTATION and BARIUM SWALLOW. CLASSIFICATION (CHICAGO CLASSIFICATION v4.0): ACHALASIA (Type I, II, …