Organisation Knowledge Flashcards
What is a tissue?
A tissue is a group of cells with a similar structure and function.
What is an organ?
An organ is a group of tissues performing a specific function
Name the 4 main
chambers of the heart
Left atrium, right atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle
What is the role of valves
in the heart and veins?
Valves prevent the backflow of blood when the heart pumps. Valves in the veins prevent the backflow of low pressure blood returning to the heart
State 2 differences
between veins and arteries
- Arteries have thick elastic walls to carry high pressure blood, whereas veins have thin walls.
- Veins have valves but arteries don’t.
Name the 4 components
of blood and state the
function of each
Plasma-Transporting carbon dioxide, digested food, urea, hormones and heat
Red blood cells-Transporting oxygen
White blood cells-Ingesting pathogens and producing antibodies
Platelets-Involved in blood clotting
What is coronary heart
disease?
Layers of fatty material build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them. This reduces the flow of blood through the coronary arteries, resulting in a lack of oxygen for the heart muscle.
Describe 3 methods of
treating coronary heart
disease
Stents are used to keep the coronary arteries open. Drugs called statins are widely used to reduce blood cholesterol levels which slows down the rate of fatty material deposit. Heart transplants can also be used in some cases
State an advantage and a
disadvantage of
transplanting an artificial
heart instead of a donor
heart to treat heart failure.
Advantage of artificial heart: There is a shortage of donor hearts, so an artificial heart can be used while waiting. Disadvantage of artificial heart: They do not last as long as a donor heart and would need replacing.
What problems does a
leaky heart valve cause and how can it be treated?
Leaky heart valves cause backflow of blood. You may become breathless. The heart will have to work harder to pump blood. This could cause heart failure. Faulty heart valves can be replaced using biological or mechanical valves.
What is a communicable
disease?
Communicable: Infectious diseases. Caused by pathogens.
Give 3 examples of risk
factors for non-
communicable disease
Diet and obesity are linked to cardiovascular disease Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer Alcohol affects liver and brain function
What is cancer?
Cancer is the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division. Benign tumours are growths of abnormal cells which are contained in one area. They do not invade other parts of the body. Malignant tumour cells are cancers. They invade neighbouring tissues and spread to different parts of the body in the blood where they form secondary tumours.
Describe the adaptations of the trachea and the alveoli that help them to perform their function
Trachea: Rings of cartilage keep the airway open
Alveoli: Large surface area, very thin walls, a moist lining and a good blood supply increase the rate of diffusion of gases.
