1.1.8 Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What can fatty deposits do to arteries?

Answer 1

Fatty acids can either completely block arteries or increase chances of blood clot (thrombosis)

Question 2

What can be caused by atherosclerosis occuring in the coronary artery?

Answer 2

It can cause myocardial infarction

Question 3

What can be caused by an atherosclerosis blocking blood getting to the brain?

Answer 3

This will cause a stroke

Question 4

What happens in atherosclerosis?

Answer 4

• The endothelial layer somehow becomes damaged
• Inflamatory response, white blood cells build up, along with other substances such as cholesterol
• A deposit builds up called an atheroma
• Plaque builds up on the innter walls
• The plaque causes the artery to narrow, leading to higher bp, leading to more atherosclerosis

Question 5

When is a blood clot more likely to happen?

Answer 5

A blood clot is more likely to happen if blood is flowing very slowly

Question 6

What are platelets?

Answer 6

Platelets are a type of blood cell that have no nucleus

Question 7

What happens when platelets come in contact with a damaged cell?

Answer 7

They change from a flattened disk to spheres with long thin projections. They stick to exposed collagen and form a temporary plug

Question 8

What cascade of events is caused by the contact between blood and collagen?

Answer 8

Prothrombin —-> thrombin

insoluble fibronogen –thrombin–> soluble fibrin

Question 9

Why do only arteries get atherosclerosis?

Answer 9

The high pressure means there is a higher chance of damage to the walls