A1 Understand health issues page 40 Flashcards
What is functional imaging, and how is it useful in medical practice?
Functional imaging allows healthcare workers to observe changes in the body based on blood flow, providing dynamic insights into body function.
How does functional imaging help in studying the brain and diagnosing conditions?
Functional imaging can detect areas of the brain affected by conditions like Parkinson’s disease or a stroke, and it can also identify areas of high energy use that may indicate cancer.
What are stem cells, and what role do they play in the body?
Stem cells are unspecialised cells that can differentiate into specific adult cell types and play a role in the repair and replenishment of organs and tissues.
What are the three main types of stem cells?
The three main types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
What are embryonic stem cells, and why are they considered pluripotent?
Embryonic stem cells are found in early embryos and are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into almost any cell type in the body.
What are adult stem cells, and why are they considered multipotent?
Adult stem cells, also called somatic stem cells, are found in various tissues and are multipotent, meaning they can form a limited number of cell types.
What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and how are they used?
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are genetically modified adult cells reprogrammed to become pluripotent, and they are used in research, drug testing, and trial treatments.
What are the benefits and problems associated with stem cell research and treatment?
Benefits of stem cell research include the regeneration of tissues and successful transplants, while problems include ethical concerns, rejection risks, and the limitations of adult stem cells.
