1. The cardiovascular system is an elegant example of the concept that structure supports function. Each type of blood vessel has a specific job. Each vessel's physical characteristics enable it to do that job. The muscle walls of the right and left ventricles vary in thickness, depending on where they pump the blood. When organ structure is damaged or changed (as arteries are in atherosclerosis), the organ's ability to perform its function may be compromised. Homeostatic conditions, such as blood pressure, may be affected as well. Dietary and lifestyle choices can either prevent damage or harm the cardiovascular system.
a. What do you think the long-term effects of hypertension are on the heart? What about other organ systems?
b. Why do you think a combination of hypertension and atherosclerosis is a particularly dangerous combination?
c. What factors in your life could be changed to reduce your risk of CVD? Be critical!
2. What type of organic molecule is hemoglobin? What nutrient is required to form hemoglobin?
3. The hormone erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys whenever more red blood cells are necessary. Think of several reasons for the body needing more red blood cells.
4. Explain what determines blood type, and list the four types of blood.
5. List some examples of the body's innate defenses.
6. Describe what makes a virus or bacterium a pathogen.
7. Define emerging disease, and give an example.
8. Explain what ordinarily prevents food from entering the nose or entering the trachea when you swallow and why this occurs.
9. Discuss why absorption of most molecules and nutrients is done in the small intestine, not the stomach.
10. Explain the expression "The food went down the wrong tube," by referring to structures along the path of air.
11. What is Otitis Media and in which age group does it most often occur?
12. What is meant by Active Immunity in comparison of Passive Immunity?