atherosclerosis and clotting cascade

Question 1

is atherosclerosis fast or slow developing?
Are blood clots fast or slow developing?

Answer 1

slow,
fast

Question 2

what is an aneurysm and why is it dangerous?

Answer 2

swelling of an artery
can burst and the blood loss can be fatal

Question 3

what is thrombosis

Answer 3

A break in the mucous membranes or skin membranes causes the release of molecules that trigger a chemical cascade which results in blood clotting

Question 4

how is thrombin synthesised and what reaction does it catalyse

Answer 4

when an artery is damaged collagen is exposed, this reacts with blood to release thromboplastin from damaged BV
prothrombin reacts with calcium ions from platelets and thromboplastin to produce thrombin.
Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin

Question 6

why is fibrin dangerous in ateries

Answer 6

RBCs and platelets can stick to it and fibrin traps them, then a platelet plug forms or blood clot

Question 7

what is an ischemic stroke

Answer 7

stroke caused by a blood clot

Question 8

common causes of deep vein thrombosis

Answer 8

-old age
-prolonged inactivity
-some medications

Question 9

what is a plaque mainly made of

Answer 9

cholestorol and white blood cells

Question 10

why are blood clots and atheromas dangerous

Answer 10

Blood clots reduce blood flow which restricts the movement of oxygen in the blood, therefore reducing respiration of the surrounding cells, tissues and organs

Question 11

describe atherosclerosis and why is it dangerous

Answer 11

Damage to endothelium e.g. due to high BP INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE occurs and WBCS build up in the area
Lipids and cholesterol bind to WBCS forming a fatty streak and platelets also add to fatty deposit
Builds up under endothelium this forms a plaque called an atheroma Makes BP higher as lumen of artery narrower so further damage more likely- pos feedback loop
Calcium hardens plaque reducing elasticity of artery wall, BP further increased