Space

Question 1

What is microgravity

Answer 1

Space travel

Not zero gravity

Question 2

What happens to bone in microgravity

Answer 2

Osteoclasts break down bone
Osteoblasts remake bone
Limited bone reformation
Mostly reversible once return to earth
To minimise do exercise or take drugs

Question 3

MOA of biphosphonate drugs

Answer 3

Binds to bone mineral surface
Taken up by osteoclast
Osteoclast inactivated
Becomes apoptotic and dies

Question 4

How is muscle affected in space?

Answer 4

Loss of muscle mass strength and endurance
Legs and back most affected
To combat: exercise 2-3 hours a day

Question 5

How is cardiovascular system affected in space

Answer 5

In microgravity fluid moves towards head
After time body reduced fluid volume
Back in earth fluid shifts to lower body, less fluid = fainting

To treat drink salty water

Question 6

How is circadian rhythm affected in space

Answer 6

Influenced by light/dark cycle

Get sleep irregularity

Question 7

Effect of space on infection

Answer 7

Reduced immune system

Can reactivate viruses

Question 8

What is radiation like in space

Answer 8

Increased radiation
No protection from earth
Can cause cataracts, cancer and other effects
Wear space suits, eat well and vit D supplements

Question 9

How can we use bed rest and ageing to study microgravity

Answer 9

Use space flight to study ageing: sped up in microgravity

Use bed rest to study microgravity:
Bed rest with 6 degree with backwards tilt, push fluid to head