GENERAL PATHOLOGY

Disease occurs due to alteration of the functions of tissues or cells at the microscopic level. The various causes of cell injury include:

1. Hypoxia: It is the most common cause of cell injury. It results due to decrease in oxygen supply to the cells. Hypoxia may be caused by
2. Ischemia: Results due to decrease in blood supply. It is the most common cause of             hypoxia^Q
3. Anemia: Results due to decrease in oxygen carrying capacity of blood
4. Cardio-respiratory disease: Results from decreased oxygenation of blood due to cardiac   or respiratory disease.
5. Physical Agents: Cell injury may occur due to radiation exposure, pressure, burns, frost bite etc.
6. Chemical Agents: Many drugs, poisons and chemicals can result in cell injury.
7. Infections: Various infectious agents like bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites etc can cause cell injury.
8. Immunological reactions: These include hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases.
9. Genetic causes: Cell injury can also result due to derangement of the genes.
10. Nutritional imbalance: Cell injury can result due to deficiency of vitamins, minerals etc.