Applied anatomy and physiology 1.1d Environmental effects on body systems.

Question 1

Describe Altitude.

Answer 1

The height or elevation of an area above sea level.

Question 2

Describe Barometric pressure.

Answer 2

The pressure exerted by the Earth’s atmosphere at any given point.

Question 3

Describe Aclimatisation.

Answer 3

A process of gradual adaptation to a change in environment it takes a while is not instant. Happens at 1500M and above.

Question 4

How long to acclimatise at 1000-2000M.

Answer 4

3-5 days.

Question 5

How long to acclimatise at 2000-3000M.

Answer 5

1-2 weeks.

Question 6

How long to acclimatise at 3000M+.

Answer 6

2+ weeks.
If going above 3000M should sleep only 300M higher each day and have regular rests to avoid altitude sickness.

Question 7

Benefits of acclimatisation.

Answer 7

Increase in red blood cell due to increase release in Erythropoietin.
SV and CO reduce as O2 extraction becomes more efficient.
Reduces incidences of altitude sickness, headaches, breathlessness poor sleep and lack of appetite.

Question 8

Describe Erythropoietin.

Answer 8

A naturally produced hormone responsible for the production of red blood cells.

Question 9

Describe thermoregulation.

Answer 9

Maintaining internal core temperature.
Evaporative techniques and non evaporative techniques.

Question 10

What causes Hyperthermia.

Answer 10

High and prolonged exercise intensities.
High air temperatures.
High relative humidity.

Question 11

Describe Dehydration.

Answer 11

loss of water in body tissue, largely caused by sweating.
Causes:
Increased mucus production.
Constriction of airways.
Decreased volume of air for gaseous exchange.
Overall less efficient gaseous exchange so aerobic respiration system is less efficient.

Question 12

Describe Humidity.

Answer 12

The amount of water vapour in the atmospheric air.

Question 13

Describe Hyperthermia.

Answer 13

Significantly raised core body temperature. Hypo is low.

Question 14

Describe Evaporative Techniques.

Answer 14

Hypothalamus stimulates sweat glands.
Increasing sweat production.
Decreasing blood plasma.
Decreasing SV.
Heart rate increases causing cardiovascular drift.

Question 15

Describe Non Evaporative Techniques.

Answer 15

Redistribution of blood to skin.
Blood pools at skin.
Heat diffuses to skin.
Venous return decreases so SV decreases.
So HR increases causing cardiovascular drift.

Question 16

Describe Cardiovascular Drift.

Answer 16

An upward drift in heart rate associated with a rise in body temperature (1 Celsius increases heart rate by 10 BPM)

Question 17

Strategies to maximise performance in the heat, Pre-competition.

Answer 17

7-14 Days of acclimatisation in the same conditions to increase the body’s tolerance to heat.

Using cooling aids such as an ice vest to reduce core temperature and delay dehydration.

Question 18

Strategies to maximise performance in the heat during competition.

Answer 18

Pacing strategies to reduce the feelings of exertion at low-exercise intensities.

Wearing suitable clothing to maximise heat loss.

Rehydrating as often as possible with hypotonic drinks and water to replace that lost while sweating.

Question 19

Strategies to maximise performance in the heat. Post-competition.

Answer 19

Using cooling aids such as cold fans or ice baths.

Rehydrating using isotonic drinks to replace glucose and electrolytes.