Ch. 3 Physical Changes

Question 1

rate-of-living theories

Answer 1

theory of aging that makes apparent common sense postulates that organisms have only so much energy to expend in a lifetime

(ie) metabolism rate is related to how long it lives

Question 2

cellular theory*

Answer 2

the number of times cells can divide limits the lifespan of a complex organism

Question 3

Hayflick limit**

Answer 3

fixed number of possible divisions depending on the age of the donor organism

Question 4

cross-linking*

Answer 4

a process where certain proteins interact randomly y produce molecules that are linked in such a way as to make the body stiffer

Question 5

free radicals*

Answer 5

highly reactive chemicals produced randomly in normal metabolism

(ie) may cause cell damage to heart by changing oxygen levels in cells

Question 6

programmed-cell-death theories

Answer 6

(1) aging programmed into genetic code
(2) cells pre-programmed to self-destruct

*not biologically created to live forever

Question 7

changes in skin*

Answer 7

wrinkles
decrease collagen
decrease elastin fibers
decrease fat layer
age spots

Question 8

changes in hair*

Answer 8

graying

thinning

Question 9

changes in voice

Answer 9

thinner

weaker

Question 10

changes in weight

Answer 10

weight gain = middle age

weight loss = old age

Question 11

changes in mobility

Answer 11

• decrease muscle mass
• decrease bone density
• decrease cartilage around joints

Question 12

osteoporosis

Answer 12

severe bone degeneration due to loss of bone mass y increased porosity
- create bones that resemble laced honeycombs

Question 13

osteoarthritis**

Answer 13

disease marked by gradual onset y progression of pain y disability w/ minor signs of inflammation

Question 14

rheumatoid arthritis**

Answer 14

a destructive disease of the joints that also develops slowly y typically affects different joints
- causes other types of pain than osteoarthritis

Question 15

presbyopia

Answer 15

difficulty in seeing close objects clearly

- may cause glaucoma y cataracts

Question 16

presbycusis

Answer 16

reduced sensitivity to high-pitched tones

Question 17

somesthesia

Answer 17

system related to touch, pressure, body T regulation, etc.

Question 18

kinesthesis

Answer 18

awareness of body

- old age = more probs w/ passive movement

Question 19

dizziness

Answer 19

vague feeling of being unsteady, floating y light-headed

Question 20

vertigo

Answer 20

the sensation that one or one’s surrounding are spinning

Question 21

taste*

Answer 21

subjective, gradual decline

Question 22

smell*

Answer 22

decline after 60 yrs

**increase salt intake = increase blood pressure

Question 23

cardiovascular system

Answer 23

related to the heart
- leading cause of death

(ie) fat accummulate around heart
(ie) stiffening of the arteries to the heart
(ie) calcification
(ie) decreased aerobic capacity

Question 24

respiratory system*

Answer 24

(ie) stiff air pathways causes harder to breathe
(ie) exposure to pollution: pink to gray lungs
(ie) shortness of breath

**begins in 20s

Question 25

changes in female reproductive system

Answer 25

• less vaginal lubrication y tissue
• perimenopause
• menopause
• hormonal therapy replacement

Question 26

perimenopause*

Answer 26

transition from regular menstruation to menopause

Question 27

menopause*

Answer 27

point @ which menstruation stops

Question 28

changes in male reproductive system

Answer 28

• gradual testosterone levels (starts in 20s)
• increase risk for prostate cancer
• increase time needed for sex

Question 29

changes in neurotransmitters

Answer 29

(1) dopamine [Parkinson’s disease]

(2) acetycholine - related to memory [Alzheimer’s y Huntington’s disease]

Question 30

issues w/ sleep

Answer 30

• easily awakened
• more time needed to fall asleep
• more napping, less sleeping