Question

The pathophysiology of pancreatitis is: A.) a severe inflammatory response to endotoxins B.) overproduction of vasoactive enzymes from the acinar cells C.) overwhelming infection of the pancreatic ducts D.) the autodigestion of the pancreas caused by its enzymes

Answer 1

The pathophysiology of pancreatitis involves the autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by its own prematurely activated digestive enzymes, leading to inflammation and damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pathophysiology of Pancreatitis

The pathophysiology of pancreatitis is primarily the result of improper activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas, leading to the autodigestion of the pancreas itself. Normally, the pancreas produces these enzymes in inactive forms, such as trypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase, and chymotrypsinogen. Activation of these proenzymes typically occurs in the duodenum, where the enzyme enter peptidase activates trypsin from trypsinogen. Trypsin then converts the other proenzymes into their active forms, allowing for normal digestion of food. In pancreatitis, these enzymes become prematurely activated within the pancreas, causing damage to the pancreatic tissue.

To answer the student's question directly, the most accurate description of the pathophysiology of pancreatitis is: D.) the autodigestion of the pancreas caused by its enzymes. This process can occur due to a variety of factors, including gallstones, alcohol use, and certain infections, leading to inflammation and damage to the pancreas.