7.5 Overdoing it

Question 1

Natural killer cells

Answer 1

A type of lymphocyte found
in the blood and lymph. Unlike T cells and B
cells they do not use specific antigen
recognition. They provide non-specific
immunity against viruses and other intracellular
microbes and cancer. Numbers and activity of
natural killer cells increase during moderate
activity but fall after intense exercise.

Question 2

Arthroscopy

Answer 2

Keyhole surgery on joints is
known as arthroscopy. A very small incision is
made, giving access to the joint. A fibre optic
tube and small surgical instruments can be
inserted through the incision allowing the
surgeon to make an examination and repair any
damage. Recovery is more rapid than with
traditional surgery.

Question 3

Keyhole

Answer 3

surgery Surgery performed through a
small incision using fibre optics or minute video
cameras and specialised surgical instruments.
Keyhole surgery on joints is known as
arthroscopy.

Question 4

Cruciate ligaments

Answer 4

The anterior and posterior
cruciate ligaments are found in the knee joint
behind the patella (knee cap). They are arranged
diagonally in a cross formation. They connect
the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia in the lower
leg. They prevent the over extension or flexion
of the knee joint. The anterior cruciate ligament
is important in preventing over rotation of the
knee.

Question 5

Prosthesis

Answer 5

An external artificial body part used
by someone with a disability to enable him or
her to regain some degree of normal function
and appearance.