2.49 The effects of smoking

Question 1

How does nicotine inside the cigarette harm the body?

Answer 1

-It narrows and increases heart rate, leading to increased blood pressure
-High blood pressure leads to increased chance of clots, leads to increased chances of heart attacks

Question 2

How does tar inside the cigarette harm the body

Answer 2

-It is a carcinogen linked to increased chances of cancerous cells developing in the lungs
-Could cause bronchitis or emphysema

Question 3

How does tar lead to chronic bronchitis?

Answer 3

-Tar stimulates goblet cells to produce more mucus
-Mucus build up blocks smaller bronchioles leading to infections

Question 4

What is emphysema?

Answer 4

Emphysema is the result of frequent infection from built up mucus
These diseases that enter the alveoli make them less elastic and burst, which reduces the surface area for gas exchange
Patients could become breathless and wheezy from this