2.2 Animal Tissues, Organs and Systems Flashcards
What substance carries the different components of blood around the body?
Plasma
What substances are transported by plasma ?
• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets
• Carbon dioxide
• Urea
• Products of digestion
What is plasma ?
A yellow liquid within blood that transports substances around the body
What is the purpose of red blood cells in blood ?
Transport of oxygen around the body
How are red blood cells adapted for their function?
• Biconcave shape - increased surface area to volume ratio.
• No nucleus - more room for haemoglobin to bind to oxygen.
• Contain haemoglobin - binds to oxygen.
What is the purpose of white blood cells in blood ?
They form part of the immune system , which protects the body from invading pathogens
How are white blood cells adapted for their function ?
• Have a nucleus - contains DNA which codes for proteins
• Can produce antibodies
• Can produce antitoxins
• Can engulf and digest pathogens (phagocytosis)
What is the purpose of platelets in blood ?
Platelets are small cell fragments which aid the clotting of blood at the site of a wound.
Why is the function of platelets inportant ?
• Platelets aid in the process of blood clotting .
prevents bacteria from entering the wound.
What is coronary heart disease ?
Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle become blocked with a buildup of fatty material.
This restricts the supply of oxygen to the heart, possibly leading to a heart attack or death.
What is a stent and how does it work ?
A stent is a metal mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery so that it remains open.
The stent is inflated using a balloon, which is later removed to allow blood to flow freely.
What are the adv and disadvantages of stents ?
Advantages
• Insertion can be carried out without general anaesthetic
• Quick recovery time
• Lower the risk of a heart attack
Disadvantages
Risk of postoperative infection
• Risk of blood clots at site of stent
What are statins ?
Statins are drugs which reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol which contributes to the development of coronary heart disease.
What are the adv and disadvantages of statins ?
Advantages
• Reduce risk of strokes, coronary heart disease and heart attacks
• Increase level of HDL (good) cholesterol
Disadvantages
• Have to be taken continuously
• May have side effects
• Effect may not be immediate
What is a heart bypass surgery ?
A surgery where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body.
What are the consequences of leaky heart valves?
Blood flows in the wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient. Patients may become breathless and die as a result.
What type of valves can replace leaky valves?
• Mechanical - made of metal or polymers
• Biological - taken from animals (pigs, sometimes humans)
What are the adv and disadvantages of mechanical valves?
Advantages
• Last for a very long time
Disadvantages
• Need to take medication to prevent blood clotting around valve
What are the advand disadvantages of biological valves?
Advantages
• Work very well - no medication required
Disadvantages
• Only lasts 12-15 years
What is the purpose of an artificial heart ?
Artificial hearts are intended to support a patient’s heart while they wait for a suitable donor heart.
What are the adv and disadvantages of artificial hearts ?
Advantages
• Less likely to be rejected by immune system
• Allows damaged heart to rest to help recovery
Disadvantages
• Risk of infection due to surgery
• Risk of blood clots
• Have to take blood-thinning drugs
What is health ?
Health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing
What is a communicable disease?
A disease caused by a pathogen which can be transmitted from one person to another eg. The flu
What is a non-communicable disease?
A disease the can not be transmitted from person to person eg. Cancer