40,99 €
Fundamentals of Children's Applied Pathophysiology introduces nursing and healthcare students to the pathophysiology of the child, and offers an applied full-colour visual approach throughout. Explaining the anatomy of the human body, and the effects of disease or illness on normal physiology, it enables the reader to develop the understanding, knowledge, and skills required to know how to respond and provide safe and effective high-quality care to children and their families. Key features: * Written by an experienced author team * Filled with superb full-colour illustrations * Packed with learning features, including key words, test-your-knowledge, exercises, further reading, and learning outcomes * Includes case studies to help readers understand how to apply the knowledge in clinical practice * Contains links to clinical observations, vital signs to look out for, investigations boxes, red flags to indicate essential information to be aware of when providing care, and medication alerts Fundamentals of Children's Applied Pathophysiology is an ideal book for pre-registration nursing students, including child and adult nurses, as well as for all healthcare professionals who come into contact with children and their families.
Sie lesen das E-Book in den Legimi-Apps auf:
Seitenzahl: 815
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
Cover
Preface
Reference
Chapter 1: The cell and body tissue
Aim
CELLS
TISSUES
References
Chapter 2: Genetics
Aim
The cell nucleus and DNA
Introduction
Genes
The double helix
From DNA to proteins
Genetic mutations
The transference of genes
Mendelian genetics: the role of genetics in inheritance
Dominant genes and recessive genes
Autosomal dominant inheritance and ill health
Autosomal recessive inheritance and ill health
Morbidity and mortality of dominant versus recessive disorders
X‐linked recessive disorders
Spontaneous mutation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Cancer
Aim
Introduction
Biology of cancer
Pathogenesis of cancers
Aetiology of cancers
Signs and symptoms
Staging cancers
Central nervous system tumour staging
Treatment of cancer
Prevention of cancer
Examples of cancers
Outcomes and survivorship
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: Homeostasis
Aim
Introduction
Dehydration
Dehydration due to gastrointestinal fluid loss
Dehydration due to blood loss
The child requiring surgery
The child with respiratory impairment
The child with renal impairment
The child with an infection
The diabetic child
Escalating your concerns as a nurse
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: Inflammation, immune response and healing
Aim
Introduction
The immune system
Acquired immunity
Alterations in immunity and inflammation
Care of a child with anaphylaxis
Autoimmune disease
Care and management of a child with primary immunodeficiency
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6: Shock
Aim
Introduction
Distributive shock
Anaphylactic shock
Hypovolaemic shock
Cardiogenic shock
A common pathway to the pathophysiology of shock
Strategies for caring for and managing the child in shock
Monitoring end‐organ perfusion
A systematic approach to assessing the patient in shock
Summary and conclusion
References
Chapter 7: Pain and pain management
Aim
Introduction
Anatomy and physiology of pain in children
Gate control theory
Common myths about anatomy and physiology of children’s pain
Common approaches to assessing pain in infants, children and young people
Cognitive development and the perception of pain
Gender and cultural aspects of pain in children, young people and their families
Methods of pain assessment (see Table 7.3)
Pain management
Management of procedural pain
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8: Disorders of the nervous system
Aim
Introduction
Structure of the nervous system
Disorders of the nervous system
Causes of neurological dysfunction
Congenital causes
Acquired causes
Cerebral dysfunction
Cerebral trauma
Spinal trauma
Motor dysfunction
Neurological tumours
Intracranial infection
Seizure disorders
Epilepsy
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9: Disorders of the cardiac system
Aim
Introduction
Anatomy of the heart
Congenital disorders of the heart
Classification of congenital heart defects
Cardiac investigations
ACYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS
CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10: Disorders of the respiratory system
Aim
Introduction
Respiratory assessment
Respiratory noises
Measuring oxygen saturations
Skin colour
Heart rate
Mental status
Oxygen therapy
Clearance of nasal and oral secretions
Infection control precautions
Bronchiolitis
Upper airway disorders
Altered physiology
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: Disorders of the endocrine system
Aim
Introduction
Endocrine anatomy and function
Endocrine disorders
Disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Disorders of the pineal gland
Disorders of the thyroid gland
Parathyroid disorders
Disorders of the thymus gland
Disorders of the adrenal glands
Disorders of the pancreas
Disorders of the gonads
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12: Disorders of the digestive system
Aim
Introduction
Motility disorders
Inflammatory conditions
Obstructive disorders
Malabsorption syndromes
Structural defects
Hernias
Paediatric early warning system – related to a case study
References
Chapter 13: Disorders of the renal system
Aim
Introduction
Antenatal detection of renal anomalies
Assessment of the renal system
Medical disorders of the upper urinary tract
Chronic kidney disease
Acute kidney injury
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Wilms’ tumour
General medical renal nursing principles
Surgical disorders of the upper urinary tract
General surgical renal nursing principles
Medical disorders of the lower urinary tract
Surgical disorders of the lower urinary tract
Conclusion
References
Chapter 14: Disorders of the reproductive systems
Aim
Introduction
The male reproductive system
Male reproductive issues
Female reproductive health issues
Sexual health: both girl and boys
Sexual activity
Contraception
Female genital mutilation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 15: Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
Aim
Introduction
Fractures
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
Conclusion
References
Chapter 16: Disorders of the skin
Aim
Introduction
Type of lesion
Epidermolysis bullosa
Wounds
Epidermal stripping
Burns
Pediculosis (lice)
Conclusion
References
Index
End User License Agreement
Chapter 03
Table 3.1 Examples of congenital factors associated with childhood cancer
Table 3.2 UK risk stratification to the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
Table 3.3 Tumour grades
Table 3.4 Mandatory investigations for all new suspected cases of malignancy
Chapter 04
Table 4.1 Signs and symptoms of medical shock
Table 4.2 Blood tests used in dehydration
Chapter 05
Table 5.1 Different types of cells involved in the innate and adaptive immunity
Table 5.2 T‐cell functions
Table 5.3 Functions of antibodies
Table 5.4 Types of hypersensitivity reaction
Table 5.5 Allergic diseases that affect children
Chapter 06
Table 6.1 Classification of shock
Table 6.2 SIRS to septic shock
Table 6.3 Causes of cardiogenic shock in children
Table 6.4 Cardiogenic shock related to right ventricular failure
Table 6.5 Cardiogenic shock related to left ventricular failure
Table 6.6 Pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock
Table 6.7 The goals of treatment of children with cardiogenic shock
Chapter 07
Table 7.1 The experience of individual and biopsychosocial factors
Table 7.2 Size and speed of first‐order sensory fibres
Table 7.3 Validated, age‐appropriate pain assessment tool suggestions
Table 7.4 Pain and behavioural cues
Table 7.5 Non‐opioid drugs
Table 7.6 Examples of opioid drugs
Table 7.7 Patient observations during PCA administration and for 4 hours following discontinuation
Table 7.8 Observations required for a child with a continuous epidural with levobupivacaine with/without fentanyl
Chapter 08
Table 8.1 Anatomical structure of the nervous system
Table 8.2 Vital signs and symptoms of a fractured skull
Table 8.3 Investigations to assess level of consciousness
Table 8.4 Vital signs and symptoms of paediatric brain tumours
Table 8.5 Vital signs and symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal disease
Chapter 09
Table 9.1 Possible causes for CHD
Table 9.2 Possible causes of CF not associated with congenital heart defects
Table 9.3 Drugs that may be used in the treatment of heart failure (Joint Formulary Committee, 2015)
Table 9.4 Patent ductus arteriosus in the premature infant
Table 9.5 Manifestations of rheumatic fever
Chapter 10
Table 10.1 Features of acute/severe and life‐threatening asthma
Chapter 11
Table 11.1 Overview of the endocrine system, its associated functions and disorders. (For full details of endocrine system function and specific hormones as relevant to children, see Petty, 2015)
Chapter 12
Table 12.1 Possible causes of acute and chronic diarrhoea
Table 12.2 Possible causes of vomiting
Table 12.3 Possible complications of gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR)
Table 12.4 Clinical manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Table 12.5 Symptoms of coeliac disease
Table 12.6 Pre‐ and post‐operative nursing care of the infant with a cleft lip and/or palate
Table 12.7 Causes of potential alteration in post‐operative vital signs
Chapter 13
Table 13.1 Antenatal urinary tract abnormalities
Table 13.2 Assessment of the renal system
Table 13.3 Some causes of proteinuria
Table 13.4 Possible signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis
Table 13.5 Causes of CKD in children
Table 13.6 Consequences of CKD
Table 13.7 Stages of CKD and GFR
Table 13.8 Classification of AKI
Table 13.9 Staging Wilms’ tumour
Table 13.10 Symptoms and signs of UTI in infants and children
Chapter 14
Table 14.1 Some common male reproductive conditions
Table 14.2 Some common female reproductive conditions
Table 14.3 Examples of abdominal pain presentation in adolescent girls
Table 14.4 Teenage conception statistics
Table 14.5 Classification of female genital mutilation
Chapter 15
Table 15.1 Location and features of fractures
Table 15.2 Types of traction and examples of each
Table 15.3 Some causes of limp in childhood
Table 15.4 Radiological classification of SCFE
Table 15.5 Key terms associated with DDH
Chapter 16
Table 16.1 Skin conditions of childhood
Table 16.2 Harry’s vital signs
Table 16.3 Harry’s blood test results
Table 16.4 Age‐related factors to consider in skin care
Table 16.5 Classification of burns and presentation of injury.
Table 16.6 Burn severity classification
Chapter 01
Figure 1.1 Examples of different types of cells in the body.
Figure 1.2 Structure of the cell.
Figure 1.3 Cell membrane.
Figure 1.4 Facilitated diffusion.
Figure 1.5 Effect of solute concentration on a red blood cell.
Figure 1.6 Endoplasmic reticulum.
Figure 1.7 The cytoskeleton.
Figure 1.8 Simple epithelium.
Figure 1.9 Stratified epithelium.
Figure 1.10 Connective tissue reinforces epithelial tissue.
Figure 1.11 Simple cuboidal.
Figure 1.12 Simple columnar.
Figure 1.13 Where cartilage is found in the body.
Figure 1.14 Skeletal muscle cells.
Figure 1.15 Smooth muscle.
Figure 1.16 Peristalsis.
Figure 1.17 Nerve cell.
Chapter 02
Figure 2.1 The cell nucleus.
Figure 2.2 A pictorial representation of a portion of the double helix.
Figure 2.3 DNA from double helix to chromosome.
Figure 2.4 Male human chromosomes.
Figure 2.5 The separation of DNA and production of further DNA.
Figure 2.6 Brief summary of protein synthesis.
Figure 2.7 The cell cycle.
Figure 2.8 Mitosis.
Figure 2.9 Gene crossover.
Figure 2.10 Genetic inheritance.
Figure 2.11 X‐linked inheritance.
Figure 2.12 PEWS chart for William.
Chapter 03
Figure 3.1 Incidence rates for childhood cancer.
Figure 3.2 Possible signs and symptoms of solid and CNS tumours.
Chapter 04
Figure 4.1 Regulation of aldosterone by the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone pathway.
Figure 4.2 Locations of areas of the respiratory centre.
Figure 4.3 Regulation of breathing in response to changes in blood pCO
2
, pO
2
and pH (H
+
concentration) via negative feedback control.
Figure 4.4 Cellular and humoral immune responses.
Figure 4.5 Flowchart of inflammatory events.
Figure 4.6 Negative feedback regulation of the secretion of glucagon (blue arrows) and insulin (orange arrows).
Chapter 05
Figure 5.1 Distribution of organs, tissues and lymph vessels and nodes.
Figure 5.2 Diagram showing development of blood cells.
Figure 5.3 Features of the innate immune system.
Figure 5.4 Stages of phagocytosis: (a) stage 1, (b) stage 2 and (c) stage 3.
Figure 5.5 Inflammation and the stages that occur.
Figure 5.6 Flowchart of inflammatory events.
Figure 5.7 Stages of wound healing.
Figure 5.8 Diagram to show pilonidal abscess.
Figure 5.9 Diagram to show systemic signs of infection.
Figure 5.10 Primary and secondary responses to infection.
Figure 5.11 Acquired (specific) immunity.
Figure 5.12 Diagram of the allergic march.
Figure 5.13 Diagram of allergic symptoms.
Figure 5.14 Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
Figure 5.15 Features of primary immunodeficiency.
Figure 5.16 Features of secondary immunodeficiency.
Chapter 06
Figure 6.1 The clinical features of warm and cold shock.
Figure 6.2 Life‐threatening complications of septic shock.
Figure 6.3 Paediatric code red.
Figure 6.4 Cardiac output and its variables.
Figure 6.5 Stroke volume and its variables.
Figure 6.6 Oxygen delivery, blood pressure and its variables.
Chapter 07
Figure 7.1 Pathway of pain transmission and interpretation.
Figure 7.2 The ascending pain pathway.
Figure 7.3 Basic structure of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres.
Figure 7.4 The gate control theory of pain.
Chapter 08
Figure 8.1 Organisation of the nervous system.
Figure 8.2 Raised intracranial pressure (ICP).
Figure 8.3 Focal and diffuse brain injury types.
Figure 8.4 Anterior view of frontal section through the skull showing the cranial meninges.
Chapter 09
Figure 9.1 Diagrammatic representation of the blood flow through the heart.
Figure 9.2 Classification of CHD.
Figure 9.3 Diagram showing oxygen saturation levels within the heart.
Figure 9.4 Diagram showing pressure in mmHg within the heart.
Figure 9.5 Diagram of ASD showing oxygenated blood flowing from the left atrium to the right atrium.
Figure 9.6 Diagram of VSD showing oxygenated blood flowing from the left ventricle to the right ventricle.
Figure 9.7 Diagram of PDA showing oxygenated blood returning to the heart from the aorta.
Figure 9.8 Diagram of pulmonary stenosis with right ventricular hypertrophy.
Figure 9.9 Diagram showing (a) normal tricuspid aortic valve; (b) stenotic tricuspid aorta valve; (c) abnormal bicuspid aorta valve.
Figure 9.10 Diagram showing (a) preductal coarctation of the aorta; (b) postductal coarctation of the aorta.
Figure 9.11 Diagram of tetralogy of Fallot.
Figure 9.12 Diagram of tricuspid atresia.
Figure 9.13 Transposition of the great arteries. The aorta takes blood from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery takes blood from the left ventricle.
Figure 9.14 PEWS chart.
Figure 9.15 Position of chest ECG leads.
Chapter 10
Figure 10.1 Choking algorithm.
Figure 10.2 Difference between a normal airway and an asthmatic airway.
Chapter 11
Figure 11.1 The endocrine system.
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1 Distended sigmoid colon in Hirschsprung disease.
Figure 12.2 Common location of pain in children and adolescents with appendicitis.
Figure 12.3 Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. (a) Enlarged muscular tumour nearly obliterates pyloric canal. (b) Longitudinal surgical division of muscle down to submucosa establishes adequate passageway.
Figure 12.4 Ileocaecal valve (ileocolic) intussusception.
Figure 12.5 (a)‐(e) Five most common types of oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. (See text for discussion)
Figure 12.6 Cleft lip and cleft palate.
Figure 12.7 (a)‐(d) Stages in palatine development. (See text for discussion).
Figure 12.8 Development of inguinal hernias. (a) and (b), prenatal migration of processus vaginalis (c), Normal. (d), partially obliterated processus vaginalis. (e), Hernia, (f), Hydrocele.
Figure 12.9 PEWS chart for Paul in Case Study 1.
Chapter 13
Figure 13.1 Upper and lower urinary tract.
Figure 13.2 Duplex left kidney.
Figure 13.3 The nephron.
Figure 13.4 Peritoneal dialysis.
Figure 13.5 Haemodialysis.
Figure 13.6 Renal transplantation.
Figure 13.7 Ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
Figure 13.8 Male reproductive system.
Figure 13.9 Classification of hypospadias.
Figure 13.10 Ureterovesical junction obstruction.
Figure 13.11 Stages of vesicoureteric reflux.
Figure 13.12 Posterior urethral valves.
Figure 13.13 PEWS chart for Emily.
Chapter 14
Figure 14.1 The male reproductive system.
Figure 14.2 The development of the male reproductive tract.
Figure 14.3 The female reproductive system.
Figure 14.4 The uterus and associated structures.
Figure 14.5 Prevalence of FGM (Africa).
Figure 14.6 Prevalence of FGM (globally).
Chapter 15
Figure 15.1 Ross’s PEWS chart.
Figure 15.2 Fracture types.
Figure 15.3 Stages in bone healing.
Figure 15.4 Application of traction to maintain bone alignment.
Figure 15.5 Ilizarov frame.
Figure 15.6 Normal femur and femur with slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
Figure 15.7 Growth plates of the femur.
Figure 15.8 Avascularity of the femoral head.
Figure 15.9 Abduction of lower limb.
Figure 15.10 Trendelenburg gait. (a) Normal hip joints. (b) There is a dip on the opposite of the pelvis when weight bearing on the affected side.
Figure 15.11 Pavlik harness.
Figure 15.12 Hip spica.
Figure 15.13 Barlow test.
Figure 15.14 Ortolani’s test.
Chapter 16
Figure 16.1 Cross‐section of the skin and primary sites of blister formation.
Figure 16.2 Wound healing by primary intention.
Figure 16.3 Healing by secondary intention‐infected wound.
Figure 16.4 Degree of burn injury.
Figure 16.5 Chart to determine extent of burn injury.
Figure 16.6 Jackson’s burns zones.
Figure 16.7 Systemic impact of burn injury.
Figure 16.8 The life‐cycle of head lice.
Cover
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
iii
iv
vii
viii
ix
x
xi
xiii
xiv
xv
xvii
xx
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
EDITED BY
LIZ GORMLEY‐FLEMING
Associate DirectorAcademic Quality Assurance at University of HertfordshireHatfield, UK
IAN PEATE OBE FRCN
Visiting Professor of NursingSt George’s University of London Kingston University London, UKEditor in Chief British Journal of NursingHead of School, School of Health StudiesUniversity of Gibraltar
This edition first published 2019© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by law. Advice on how to obtain permission to reuse material from this title is available at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
The right of Elizabeth Gormley‐Fleming and Ian Peate to be identified as the authors of the editorial material in this work has been asserted in accordance with law.
Registered OfficesJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USAJohn Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK
Editorial Office9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK
For details of our global editorial offices, customer services, and more information about Wiley products visit us at www.wiley.com.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats and by print‐on‐demand. Some content that appears in standard print versions of this book may not be available in other formats.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of WarrantyThe contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting scientific method, diagnosis, or treatment by physicians for any particular patient. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the Library of Congress and the British Library.
ISBN 9781119232650
Cover image: © PIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty ImagesCover design by Wiley
Ann L. Bevan RN, RSCN, PhD, MSc, FHEA, PGCEDSenior Lecturer, Children’s and Young People’s Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Science, Bournemouth University, UKAnn is senior lecturer in the Children’s and Young People’s nursing programme in the Faculty of Health and Social Science at Bournemouth University. She has been a registered nurse for nearly 40 years, has qualifications in adult nursing, midwifery and children’s nursing, and is a qualified teacher. Ann has nursed in many areas in the UK and also in Hong Kong. She returned to the UK in January 2010 after nursing and teaching for 16 years in Canada. Research interests are children’s nutrition and childhood obesity, and also all aspects of child health. Her primary research methodology is action research.
Mary Brady RN, RSCN, CHSM, BSc, PGCHE, MSc, SHEASenior Lecturer, Child Field Cohort Lead, Exams and Assessment Tutor, Kingston University, UKMary is a senior lecturer and field lead for children’s nursing at Kingston University. She has a lengthy and extensive knowledge of the clinical care required for children in a variety of settings (neonatal units, paediatric intensive care and general paediatric wards). She has held posts as sister in neonatal/infant surgery, a neonatal unit and a general children’s ward. Since 2004, she has been teaching pre‐ and post‐registration nurses, midwives and paramedics. In 2016, she took on the role of Exams and Assessment Tutor for the School of Nursing. Mary is also an external examiner at Huddersfield University.In January 2015, she joined the RCN Children and Young People’s Professional Issues Forum and has contributed to RCN various publications.Mary is interested in all aspects of children’s nursing and more recently has researched the preparation of first‐year student child nurses for their first clinical practice placements.
Petra Brown RGN, DP, SN, BSc (Hons), MALecturer, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UKPetra began her nursing a career in 1988 at Salisbury School of Nursing, becoming a staff nurse. She has worked in a variety of clinical areas including recovery, telephone triage, intensive and coronary care. On completion of her degree in critical care, Petra started her career in nurse education as a practice educator for critical care, A & E and orthopaedics. On completion of a Master’s degree in health and social care practice education, she was appointed as a lecturer at Bournemouth University on the overseas and pre‐registration nursing courses. Her key areas of interest are nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, nurse education, practice development, respiratory and critical care.
Usha Chandran RN (Mental Health, Adult, Child), PGCEA, MSc Critical Care Nursing (Adults), MSc Health and DiseaseLecturer/Practitioner Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), St George’s Hospital, Tooting, UKSenior Lecturer, Child Health, Kingston University, UKUsha trained as a mental health, adult and children’s nurse, specialising in postnatal mental health disorders and eating disorders in mental health and intensive and critical care nursing in adult and children’s nursing.Usha has extensive experience both as an expert clinical nurse, nurse manager and nurse lecturer. She managed a mother and baby mental health unit and functioned as a practice development nurse for a nurse‐led eating disorder clinic (anorexia nervosa) at Springfield University Hospitals, Tooting, UK. Usha facilitated workshops at eating disorder nursing conferences delivered training as a nurse teacher for mental health nursing.Usha is an expert intensive and critical care nurse with expertise in adult and children’s critical care nursing and enjoys teaching this subject very much and helping new and novice nurses develop in this area of care. Her main specialities are in applied physiology and intensive care management and interventions. She worked in a combined cardiac and general adult intensive care unit in Melbourne, Australia for a period of eight months and presented a poster on sedation scales – the next generation at the British Association of Critical Care Nursing in York, UK. Usha is particularly interested in simulation training.Usha is the lead nurse for children’s critical care nurse training and development at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, London, UK, the nursing PI for a multi‐centre trial on sedation and weaning in children (SANDWICH) trial and the module leader for the PICU course modules at the joint faculty: Kingston University & St George’s, University of London.
Rosemary Court RGN, RSCN, RNT, BSc (Hons), MSc, FHEASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKRosemary began her nursing career in 1986 at Sheffield School of Nursing, becoming a registered general nurse and a registered sick children’s nurse working in a neonatal intensive care unit. She completed a course in special and intensive care of newborns and worked as a neonatal sister for 13 years. Rosemary went on to work in the community, becoming a community specialist practitioner children’s nurse and a nurse independent prescriber. She worked within a children’s complex care team for 5 years before taking up a position in nurse education. In 2012, Rosemary joined Sheffield Hallam University as a senior lecturer in children’s nursing, where she teaches on both pre‐ and post‐registration nursing courses. Her key areas of interest are children’s critical care nursing, children’s respiratory nursing, public health, advancing practice, and nurse education.
Susan Fidment RGN, RSCN, RNT, BSc, MSc, FHEASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKSue began her general nursing career in 1987 at Leeds General Infirmary. After she qualified as an RGN, she spent a brief period working in care of the elderly at Leicester General Hospital, before moving back to Leeds to commence a career in children’s nursing. She has worked in children’s orthopaedics and plastics at St James’s Hospital, moved on to commence RSCN education and then worked at Killingbeck Hospital in children’s cardiology. In 2012, after 16 years working within paediatric critical care both clinically and in education, she became a full‐time lecturer. Sue has a specialist interest in critical care of the child and teaches on advanced paediatric life support programmes. She is particularly interested in using simulation as a teaching methodology.
Liz Gormley‐Fleming RGN, RSCN, RNT, PGCert (Herts), PGDip HE (Herts), BSc (Hons), MA (Keele), SFHEAAssociate Director of Academic Quality Assurance, Centre for Academic Quality Assurance, University of Hertfordshire, UKLiz commenced her nursing career in Ireland where she qualified as an RGN and RSCN. Initially working in paediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant, Liz moved to London and has held a variety of senior clinical nursing and leadership roles across a range of NHS Trusts both in the acute care setting and in the community. Liz has worked in education since 2001, initially as a clinical facilitator before moving into full‐time higher education in 2003.Liz has held a number of senior leadership positions in higher education: Head of Nursing (Children’s, Learning Disability, Mental Health), Social Work Associate Dean of School, and Principal Lecturer in Learning and Teaching. Her areas of interest are care of the acutely ill child, healthcare law and ethics, the use of technology in higher education, curriculum development, and work‐based learning.
Kate Heaton‐Morley RNMH, RGN, RSCN, BSc (Hons), RNT, MSc, FHEASenior Lecturer Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKKate’s career began in 1982 undertaking RNMH training (now RNLD) at Whittington Hall Hospital, Chesterfield. Subsequently training as a RGN and RSCN, Kate’s practice since 1991 has been dedicated to children’s nursing. She has worked and trained in the Sheffield Hospitals as a staff nurse, then sister, in acute and A & E settings. In 1998, Kate took up a senior sister post at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and, successively, positions of practice development advisor, matron, and senior matron. In 2007, to pursue her interest in nurse education, Kate joined Sheffield Hallam University as a senior lecturer in children’s nursing. She maintains her clinical skills and passion for children’s nursing through working as a staff nurse on the acute paediatric ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Sarah McDonald RSCN, BA (Hons), PGCert, RNT, FHEASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKSarah completed her RSCN Honours degree at Sheffield Hallam University in 1995. She consolidated her degree as a staff nurse in acute medicine at Rotherham District General Hospital. This was followed by positions as staff nurse then senior staff nurse at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in trauma, orthopaedics and plastics. Her other positions include sister in outpatient theatre at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital and senior staff nurse in post‐anaesthetic care. Sarah became a clinical nurse educator at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 2012. In 2014, she commenced a secondment as a lecturer in children’s nursing and is now a full‐time senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. Sarah’s teaching interests include pain, tissue viability, and practical nursing skills. She has published guidelines for clinicalskills.net.
Elizabeth Mills RGN, RSCN, RNT, BSc (Hons), PGCert, PGDip, MSc, FHEASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKElizabeth began her nursing career in 1992 at West Yorkshire School of Nursing, Halifax, becoming a RGN and then a RSCN. After working in acute paediatric respiratory care, Elizabeth changed career direction and moved into neonatal intensive care, completing a course in the special and intensive care of newborns. Elizabeth worked in both district general and subregional neonatal intensive care units, and in 2005 she became a clinical educator within a large NHS Trust. In 2008, Elizabeth joined Sheffield Hallam University as a senior lecturer in children’s nursing, where she teaches on both pre‐ and post‐registration nursing courses. Her key areas of interest are children’s critical care nursing, children’s respiratory nursing, evidence‐based practice, and nurse education.
Helen Monks RGN, RSCN, BSc (Hons), RNT, MSc, FHEASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKHelen started her career in 1986 and gained her RGN qualification at Bradford and a few years later her RSCN qualification at Manchester. She has experience in nursing children and families within the fields of general surgery, plastic surgery and general medicine. During her practice, Helen has sought to empower both families and nurses via education and partnership approaches. Her career progressed to sister and ward manager where she became more interested in education, took up project nurse roles within Bradford’s nursing development unit, and subsequently worked as a practice development nurse. She then commenced lecturing at the University of Bradford in 1997 where she was part of a team to set up the first children’s nursing course there. Helen moved to Sheffield Hallam University in 2008 bringing her experience of course leadership and curriculum development. She has a research interest in the subjective nature of assessment of student nurses in the practice environment, and is currently undertaking a PhD in this subject.
Alison Mosenthal RGN, RSCN, Dip N (London), Dip Nursing Education, MScSenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UKAlison began her nursing career at St Thomas’ Hospital London before undertaking her RSCN training at Great Ormond Street in 1979. After qualifying, she worked in the respiratory intensive care unit and then moved into nurse education in the School of Nursing at Great Ormond Street in 1983.After a career break raising her family Alison returned to clinical nursing working as a clinical nurse specialist in paediatric immunology nursing at St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust in 1996. She remains in clinical practice part‐time and in 2010 returned to teaching in higher education at the University of Hertfordshire, where she currently works part‐time as a senior lecturer in paediatric nursing.
Michele O’Grady RGN, RSCN, MSc, PGCertSenior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire, UKMichele trained in Dublin and worked as a qualified nurse until she went to Sudan with the voluntary agency GOAL, running a primary care programme. She moved to the UK in 1987 where she worked in several hospitals before moving to Oxford where she became the HIV liaison officer for 5 years. Michele returned to the NHS where she was a senior sister and an emergency nurse practitioner in the children’s emergency department at Watford General Hospital. Michele joined the child nursing lecturing team at the University of Hertfordshire in 2015.Michele has had an interest in sexual health and health promotion since her time in Sudan.
Julia Petty RGN, RSCN, MSc, PGCert, MASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UKJulia began her children’s nursing career at Great Ormond Street Hospital. After a period in clinical practice and education, she moved into higher education and worked as a senior lecturer at City University, London for 12 years before commencing her current post in 2013. Her key interests are neonatal health, outcome of early care and most recently, the development of digital learning resources in neonatal/children’s nursing care. Julia has a considerable publication portfolio and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Neonatal Nursing. She is a newborn life support instructor for the UK Resuscitation Council, executive member and chair of the Neonatal Nurses Association Special Interest Education and Research Group. Her recent research interest involves exploring the narratives and experiences of parents in neonatal care for the development and evaluation of a digital storytelling resource for children’s nurses.
Cathy Poole RGN, RSCN, MSc, Public Sector Management PGDip Ed ENB 147Training and Education Manager, Fresenius Medical Care, Birmingham, UKCathy started her career as a nursery nurse not knowing that her career would lead on to nursing and the private health education sector. With over 35 years’ experience in a variety of health and education positions, Cathy has published several times and presented at local, national and international conferences. Her main area of interest is renal nursing. Her current post allows her to combine her two passions of renal nursing and education. Not wanting to abandon her third passion of children’s nursing, Cathy maintains her clinical practice as a bank staff nurse at Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Sheila Roberts RGN, RSCN, RNT, BA (Hons), MASenior Lecturer in Children’s Nursing, University of Hertfordshire, UKSheila began her nursing career in 1979 at the Queen Elizabeth School of Nursing in Birmingham, working primarily at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. She moved to general paediatrics at Kidderminster, Ipswich and finally to Bedford Hospital where she became ward sister. Sheila moved into nurse education in 2006. Her areas of interest include nursing practice and teaching nursing skills to students, along with an interest in the cardiac and respiratory systems and child development. More recently, Sheila has been taking part in projects involving children as service users within the pre‐registration nursing curriculum.
Tanya Urquhart‐Kelly RGN, RSCN, MSc, NMP, Dip H OncChild Field Nursing Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UKTanya graduated from Sheffield School of Nursing and Midwifery in March 1993 as an RGN/RSCN and has worked in a variety of roles within the field of paediatric oncology/haematology nursing since qualifying. Most recently she worked as a Macmillan clinical nurse specialist in paediatric and teenage and young adult late effects at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. She has recently taken a substantive child field nursing lecturer post at Sheffield Hallam University. Her key areas of interest are teenagers and young adults with cancer, transition and survivorship; particularly the endocrine care for survivors of childhood cancer. She was awarded a distinction and the faculty prize for her contemporary Master’s degree in the care of teenagers and young adults with cancer from Coventry University, and holds certificates in endocrine nursing and research studies. She is recognised in the international arena of late effects following cancer in childhood, and has presented at numerous international symposiums. She was the previous chair of the CAN UK Nurses group (Cancer Aftercare Nurses group) and an active member of the CCLG (Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Group) Late Effects group.
Peter S. Vickers Cert Ed, DipCD, RGN, RSCN, BA, PhDFollowing several years as a schoolteacher, Peter began his nursing career in 1980 at York District Hospital, before specialising in paediatric nursing at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street. His nursing specialties were paediatric immunology and immunodeficiency, infectious diseases, and genetics. In 1999, he was awarded his PhD following his study of children with severe combined immunodeficiency who had survived bone marrow transplants in the UK and Germany (which was later published as a book). Following award of his PhD, Peter entered nurse education as a senior lecturer in paediatric nursing at the University of Hertfordshire, where he first began writing, and has gone on to publish widely in nursing textbooks and journals. He has also undertaken research into adult hospice care and written computer programmes on immunology for distance learning. He has also presented at conferences in many European countries, as well as North Africa. In 2012, Peter was elected President of INGID (the international organisation for immunology nurses), and in 2014, upon stepping down as INGID President, he was presented with a life‐time achievement award in immunology nursing by INGID.
In order to provide safe and effective care to children and families, it is essential that those who are providing that care are able to understand the pathophysiology that underpins the child’s condition.
The overall aim of this text is to help make the sometimes complex subject of pathophysiology accessible and exciting, and to enable the reader to apply their knowledge to various contexts of care. The body has an extraordinary ability to respond to disease in a variety of physiological and psychological ways. It is able to compensate for the changes that come about as a result of the disease process – the pathophysiological processes. The text can assist you in advancing your critical thinking; it fosters innovation and creativity in relation to the health and wellbeing of those to whom you have the privilege to offer care.
The text adopts a user‐friendly approach – inviting you to delve deeper, discover new facts, and to engender curiosity. There are many illustrations, which are used in such a way as to explain and assist in understanding and appreciating the complex disease patterns that are being discussed. Applying a fundamental approach will provide you with a crucial understanding of applied pathophysiology, while emphasising that at all times the child and the family must be at the centre of all that is done.
A series of activities are provided, which are intended to help you learn in an engaged way and support you as you apply your learning in the various care settings, wherever these may be. This text offers an up‐to‐date overview of pathophysiology and the key issues associated with care provision.
The need to constantly consider the wider context of care provision, supplementing a nursing focus and recognising the broadening of the professional base, is emphasised. In providing care that is contemporary, safe and effective, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach is a key requirement. Healthcare students are important members of any multidisciplinary care team. It should also be acknowledged that contemporary care provision is delivered in ever‐changing environments to a range of children, families, communities and circumstances.
Most chapters provide case studies that are related to chapter content. The chapters will stimulate reflection and further thought. In all case studies the names used are pseudonyms, in order to maintain confidentiality. Nurses owe a duty of confidentiality to all those who are receiving care (NMC, 2015). The majority of case studies have been extended further and include data concerning the patient’s vital signs and blood analysis. This can help you to relate important concepts to care, offering you further insight into the patient’s condition and therefore their needs. A selection of case studies include a Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS).
In England, nearly every hospital uses a different PEWS chart and calculates PEWS in varied ways. The PEWS charts included in this text are only there to demonstrate how they may be used. It must be remembered that infants (0–11months), preschool children (1–4 years), school‐age children (5–12 years), and teenagers (13–18 years) will all require a PEWS chart that is specific to their age. You should familiarise yourself with the PEWS chart used in the organisation where you work.
Where appropriate, significant information related to the chapter appears in boxed format to focus the reader, for example, red flags and medicines management. This can help you when you are offering care to children and families who may be vulnerable and scared.
A feature found in most chapters is the investigations box. One investigation has been chosen related to chapter content. This contains details about the test or investigation encouraging the reader to think about the pre‐, peri‐ and post‐procedural care that the child and family may require.
All chapters begin and end with questions, which are there to test your pre‐ and post‐knowledge. A range of learning resources are included at the end of the chapters, such as word searches, ‘fill in the blanks’, crosswords, and label the diagram activities. A list of further resources that you may wish to access with the intention of increasing and advancing your learning is provided at the end of each chapter. Each chapter also has a glossary of terms.
Pathophysiology is concerned with the cellular and organ changes that take place when disease is present, and the effects that these changes have on a person’s ability to function. When something happens that interrupts the normal physiological functioning of the body, for example, disease, it becomes a pathophysiological issue. It must always be acknowledged that normal health is not and cannot be exactly the same in any two children, and thus when the term ‘normal’ is used, it must be treated with caution. An understanding of pathophysiology ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ can assist the healthcare student in helping the child and family in a kind, sensitive, compassionate, caring, safe and holistic way.
This text is a foundation text providing support to the reader as you grow personally and professionally in relation to the provision of care. The text is primarily intended for nursing students who come into contact with children who may have a number of physically related healthcare problems, in the hospital and community setting. Illness and disease are discussed explicitly, highlighting the fact that children do become ill and they experience disease.
It is not imagined that you will read the text from cover to cover – we would encourage you to dip in and out of it. However, it may assist in your learning if you first read Chapter 1 (The cell and body tissue) and Chapter 2 (Genetics), as these provide a good starting point – they set the scene. The aim is to entice and encourage you, to whet your appetite, and inspire you to read further, and in so doing we hope to instill a sense of curiosity in you.
Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) (2015).
The Code. Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives
. Available at:
https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc‐publications/nmc‐code.pdf
(last accessed April 2018).
Liz Gormley‐Fleming, HertfordshireIan Peate, Gibraltar
I would like to thank my family, Kieran my husband and my girls, Kate and Eilis. Thank you all for being you and providing me with real‐life case studies.
Liz Gormley‐Fleming
I would like to thank my partner Jussi Lahtinen for his support and encouragement and Mrs Frances Cohen who, without hesitation, provides me with her help and inspiration.
Ian Peate
This book is accompanied by a companion website:
www.wileyfundamentalseries.com/childpathophysiology
The website includes:
Multiple‐choice questions
Further resources
Word‐search exercises
Glossaries
Crosswords
‘Fill in the blanks’ exercises
True or false questions
Learning outcome boxes give a summary of the topics covered in a chapter.
Keyword boxes give a summary of the keywords covered in a chapter.
Every chapter contains ‘Test your prior knowledge’ questions.
give an up‐close, in‐depth, and detailed examination of a subject.
provide quick summaries of alert signs and symptoms.
Your textbook is full of illustrations and tables.
Peter S. Vickers
The aim of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the various cells and tissues of the body in order to develop their insight and understanding.
On completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:
Outline the structure and function of a human cell.
Name and describe the functions of the organelles.
Explain the cellular transport system.
Describe the structures and functions of the various tissues of the body, namely: epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissues.
cytoplasm
plasma membrane
organelles
nucleus
passive transport
active transport
epithelial tissue
muscle tissue
connective tissue
mitochondria
What are the characteristics of human cells?
Describe the ways in which substances can pass through the cell membrane.
What is the role of the cell nucleus?
What are the four main roles of connective tissue?
How many different types of muscle tissue are there?
Where is epithelial tissue to be found within the body?
What is a cell? Put simply, a cell is a building block for the formation of all life and, particularly in this case, for the formation and development of the human body. There are many different types of cells and they play different roles in both the structure and functioning of the body. For example, certain cells come together to form skin (a tissue), which acts as a cover and protector for our internal organs (tissues). Other cells combine to form bone (tissue) and hence our skeleton. Then there are other different cells which combine to make up the brain and neurological tissue (nerves). Outside the cells that form our structure are the cells that help to keep us functioning, for example, the cardiac cells, which combine to make the heart (tissue), which in turn keeps blood (cells and a tissue) flowing around our body carrying nutrients to all our cells and tissues and removing waste products from them. Some cells are involved in protecting us from infectious organisms, whilst others form muscles (tissues) which allow us to work and move. So, it can be seen that cells are the basic building blocks of our bodies – indeed, our very ‘being’.
All these different types of cells are actually produced from just two cells – ovum and sperm – which fuse together at the moment of conception. Within those two cells are all the plans and schemata for producing the number and diversity of cells that make a human body – truly a miracle! Once they fuse together at conception, they begin to multiply and divide into the different types of cells. This manufacture and diversification of cells is dictated by the genes carried in all of our cells (see Chapter 2, Genetics).
This chapter will give a brief overview of the structure of cells and their roles within the body. In addition, it will discuss some of the problems that can occur and how these can affect the working and health of the body, commencing with the common characteristics of cells (Fig. 1.1).
Figure 1.1 Examples of different types of cells in the body.
Source: Tortora & Derrickson 2009, in: Peate & Gormley‐Fleming 2015. Reproduced with permission of Wiley.
Cells are active – carrying out specific functions.
Cells require nutrition to survive and function. They use a system known as endocytosis in order to catch and consume nutrients – they surround and absorb organisms such as bacteria and then absorb their nutrients. These nutrients are used for the storage and release of energy, as well as for growth and for repairing any damage to themselves.
Cells can reproduce themselves by means of asexual reproduction in which they first develop double the number of organelles (the organs of a cell) and then divide, with the same number and types of organelle and structure present in each half. This is known as simple fission.
Cells excrete waste products.
Cells react to things that irritate or stimulate them – for example, in response to threats from chemicals and viruses.
There are four main compartments of the cell:
cell membrane
cytoplasm
nucleus
nucleoplasm.
Within these compartments are many organelles (or small organs). These organelles perform numerous roles to keep cells alive and functioning.
As can be seen in Fig. 1.2, the various structures of the cell are contained within a cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane). This cell membrane is a semi‐permeable biological membrane separating the interior of the cell from the outside environment, and protecting the cell from its surrounding environment. It is semi‐permeable because it allows only certain substances to pass through it for the benefit of the cell itself. For example, it is selectively permeable to certain ions and molecules (Alberts et al., 2014). Inside the cells are the cytoplasm and the organelles, which include, for example, the lysosomes, mitochondria, and the nucleus of the cell.
Figure 1.2 Structure of the cell.
Source: Tortora & Derrickson 2009, in: Peate & Gormley‐Fleming 2015. Reproduced with permission of Wiley.
The cell membrane, which can vary in thickness from 7.5 nm (nanometres) to 10 nm (Vickers, 2009) is made up of a self‐sealing double layer (bilayer) of phospholipid molecules with protein molecules interspersed amongst them (Fig. 1.3). A phospholipid molecule consists of a polar ‘head’, which is hydrophilic (mixes with water), and a tail that is made up of non‐polar fatty acids, which are hydrophobic (repel water). In the bilayer of the cell membrane, all the heads of each phospholipid molecule are situated on the outer and inner surfaces of the cell facing outwards, whilst the tails point into the cell membrane; it is this central part of the cell membrane consisting of hydrophobic tails that makes the cell impermeable to water‐soluble molecules (Marieb, 2014). In addition to the phospholipid molecules, the cell membrane contains a variety of molecules, mainly proteins and lipids, and these are involved in many different cellular functions, such as communication and transport. The proteins inserted within the cell membrane are known as plasma member proteins (PMPs), which can be either integral or peripheral. Integral PMPs are embedded amongst the phospholipid tails whilst others completely penetrate the cell membrane. Some of these integral PMPs form channels for the transportation of materials into and out of the cell, others bind to carbohydrates and form receptor sites (e.g., attaching bacteria to the cell so they can be destroyed). Other examples of integral PMPs include those that transfer potassium ions in and out of cells, receptors for insulin, and types of neurotransmitters (Vickers, 2015). On the other hand, peripheral PMPs bind loosely to the membrane surface, and so can be easily separated from it. The reversible attachment of proteins to cell membranes has been shown to regulate cell signalling, as well as acting as enzymes to catalyse cellular reactions through a variety of mechanisms (Cafiso, 2005).
Figure 1.3 Cell membrane.
Source: Tortora & Derrickson 2009, in: Peate & Gormley‐Fleming 2015. Reproduced with permission of Wiley.
Briefly, the two major physiological functions of the cell membrane are endocytosis and exocytosis. These are both concerned with the transport of fluids and other essential particulates and waste matter into and out of the cell.
Endocytosis
is the passing of fluids and small particles into the cell. There are three types of endocytosis, namely:
Phagocytosis
– the ingestion of large particulates, such as microbial cells
Pinocytosis
– the ingestion of small particulates and fluids
Receptor‐mediated
– involving large particulates, such as protein. It is also highly selective as to which particulates are taken up.
Endocytosis involves part of the cell membrane being drawn into the cell interior, along with particulates or fluid, in order to facilitate their ingestion. This part of the membrane is then ‘pinched off’ to form a vesicle within the cell. At the same time, the cell membrane reseals itself. Once inside the cell, the fate of this vesicle depends upon the type of endocytosis involved and the material that is contained within the cell membrane surrounding it. In some cases, the vesicle may ultimately fuse with a lysosome (an organelle), following which the ingested material can be processed. Endocytosis is also the means by which many simple organisms – such as amoeba – obtain their nutrients.
Selective permeability, as mentioned in the previous section, is very important to the process of transporting materials into and out of the cell, allowing certain materials to pass through the membrane, whilst preventing others that could harm the cell. This process depends upon the hydrophobicity of some of its molecules (as mentioned earlier). Because the phospholipid molecule tails are composed of hydrophobic fatty acid chains, it is difficult for hydrophilic (water‐soluble) molecules to penetrate the membrane. Hence it forms an effective barrier for these types of molecules, which can only be penetrated by means of specific transport systems that control what can enter or leave the cell. For example, the membrane controls the process of metabolism by restricting the flow of glucose and other water‐soluble metabolites into and out of cells – as well as between subcellular compartments. In addition, the cell stores energy in the form of transmembrane ion gradients by allowing high concentrations of particular ions to accumulate on one side of the membrane. Ions can pass through the membrane from inside the cell to the outside – or vice versa – so that there are more supplies of these ions just outside the cell or inside it. The membrane controls the speed/rate at which these ions pass through the membrane. The controlled release of such ions on the gradients can be used for:
extracting nutrients from the fluids around the cells
passing electrical messages (nerve excitability)
controlling the volume of the cell.
There are four factors involved in the degree of permeability of a cell membrane, namely:
The size of molecules – large molecules cannot pass through the integral membrane proteins, whilst small molecules (e.g., water, amino acids) can.
Solubility in lipids (fats) – substances that easily dissolve in lipids (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, steroid hormones) can pass through the membrane more easily than non‐lipid soluble substances can.