Chapter 7 Flashcards
name some risk factors for disease (6)
exercise diet environment lifestyle genes smoking
what is a correlation?
when there is a link between two variables
what is a casual mechanism?
explains how one factor influences anther through biological processes, eg smoking leads to cancer
main difference between a communicable and a non-communicable disease
you can’t pass non-communicable diseases from person to person
what is a tumour?
when cells grow uncontrollably and randomly
what is a benign tumour
it isn’t cancerous but is formed inside membranes so it can’t invade other parts of the body
why are benign tumours dangerous?
they can put pressure on organs or other vital parts of the body
what is a malignant tumour?
a cancerous tumour that can spread around the body and infect other cells
how can a malignant tumour spread?
cells break off and travel in the bloodstream to other areas of the body and continue growing to cause secondary tumours
risk factors of cancer
smoking
obesity
UV exposure
severe viral infections
how is cancer treated?
radiotherapy
chemotherapy
what is radiotherapy
radiation destroys cancer cells to stop them multiplying
problems with radiotherapy?
can damage healthy cells
what is chemotherapy?
chemicals are used to destroy the cancerous cells
drugs found in tobacco (3)
carbon monoxide
nicotine
tar
why is nicotine so dangerous?
it gets people addicted to smoking
why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?
it takes up space in RBCs so they cant carry as much oxygen
why is it dangerous to smoke during pregnancy?
the women has to supply oxygen to the baby as well, so the baby doesn’t get as much and may not develop properly
why is tar so dangerous?
it destroys alveoli and accumulates in the lungs, causing breathlessness
how can smoking damage the heart? (3)
it narrows blood vessels - heart must work harder
nicotine makes it work harder - gets tired
increased blood pressure
what is excess food stored as?
fat
why is exercise so good for you? (3)
you have more muscle tissue = higher metabolism = less food stored as fat and more used for energy
lowers cholesterol = less fatty deposits in arteries
heart is fitter = better blood supply
complications of fat (2)
type 2 diabetes
heart disease
what is obesity and no exercise a risk factor for?
type 2 diabetes
what part of your body filters alcohol from the blood?
liver
diseases related to alcohol
cirrhosis of the liver - damaged liver cells cant do their job
liver cancer - alcohol is a carcinogen
brain damage
why can alcohol cause brain damage?
it diffuses easily into the brain and affects bodily functions
what is a carcinogen?
something that increases your risk of getting cancer
why is it dangerous to drink alcohol during pregnancy?
it passes to the baby but the developing liver can’t cope with it so the development of the baby is affected
name 3 carcinogens
smoking
alcohol
ionising radiation
how is ionising radiation a carcinogen?
the radiation penetrates into your cells, affecting function and causing mutations
sources of ionising radiation (4)
the sun
x-rays
accidents in nuclear power plants
in some areas it can be found in the soil, such as radon gas in cornwall
What is a carcinogen
Something that increases your risk of cancer
How can tar cause lung cancers
It breaks down the alveoli in the delicate lung tissue
Reduces SA to volume ratio of lungs which leads to breathlessness and death
Why are people who do regular exercise normally healthier than those who don’t
Increased metabolism
Fit heart
Better blood supply
Lower cholesterol
What is cirrhosis of the liver
A disease that destroys liver tissue
Replaced with scar tissue
Can’t function properly
What is a lifestyle factor?
Behavioural and social issues that impact on health
