A 75-year-old man was found unconscious in his bathroom after
falling and hitting his head. He survived for several hours but died later in
the hospital. An autopsy was performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Evidence indicated that the man had suffered two strokes, both due to blocked
blood vessels. One had occurred a few weeks earlier; the other had occurred
very recently and may have led to the fall. Autopsy findings also indicated
that, when the man hit his head, some damage to his brain occurred as well.
Based on what you know
about inflammation and the cellular structure of the brain, describe what the
pathologist found in each of the damaged areas of the brain.
Note: Be specific.
This answer should be at least a paragraph long and contain information
pertaining to the inflammation and the cellular
structure of the brain. A few key words needed: microglia,
necrosis, white blood cells.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Inflammation is a defensive response by the immune system to injury or infection. The cellular structure of the brain is complex with various types of cells, including neurons and glial cells. Microglia, a type of glial cell, is involved in the immune response in the brain. Necrosis can occur in the brain due to lack of blood supply or injury. White blood cells can also migrate to the site of injury in the brain.
Answer: Based on the autopsy findings, the man had suffered from two strokes, both due to blocked blood vessels. The recent stroke may have led to the fall and subsequent brain injury. Inflammation is a crucial process in response to injury in the brain. Microglia play a crucial role in the inflammatory response and can release pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytize damaged cells. Additionally, the brain cells in the damaged areas could undergo necrosis due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Necrosis leads to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules which can activate microglia. Furthermore, the presence of white blood cells at the site of injury is also common and indicates an immune response to the injured tissue. Therefore, the pathologist may have found evidence of inflammation, necrosis, and activation of microglia and white blood cells in the damaged areas of the brain.
