Discover how cells adapt to their environment
Key Concept: Watch this video to understand the fundamental concepts of cellular adaptations before diving into the interactive lessons.
Cells are remarkable in their ability to adapt to changes in their environment. This process, called cellular adaptation, allows cells to maintain homeostasis despite various stressors.
Adaptations can be physiological (normal responses) or pathological (due to disease).
When adaptations are exceeded, cell injury or death can occur.
Decrease in cell size due to reduced workload, loss of innervation, or diminished blood supply.
Increase in cell size due to increased workload or hormonal stimulation.
Increase in cell number due to increased cell division in response to stimuli.
Replacement of one differentiated cell type with another in response to chronic irritation.
Abnormal cellular growth with altered size, shape, and organization.
Complete (aplasia) or partial (hypoplasia) developmental failure of an organ or tissue.
Complete (aplasia) or partial (hypoplasia) developmental failure of an organ or tissue.
Drag the slider to see how cells adapt to different stress levels:
Normal Cell
Normal cellular function
Take the quiz to reinforce what you've learned about cell adaptation.
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