Transport in Animals Flashcards
What is the function of the septum?
It separates the two sides of the heart and so prevents mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
How can you measure heart rate?
ECG (electrocardiogram) , measuring pulse rate or listening to the sounds of valves closing
Why does your heart rate increase during exercise?
So that sufficient blood is taken to the working muscles to provide them with enough nutrients and oxygen for increased respiration and removes waste products at a faster rate.
Why does your heart continue working at a faster rate after exercise?
To ensure that all excess waste products are removed from muscle cells; it is likely that your cells have been respiring anaerobically so extra oxygen is used to break down the lactic acid.
What is the heart made of?
Cardiac Muscle Tissue
What happens in CHD?
If a coronary artery becomes partially or completely blocked plaques, the arteries are not as elastic as they should be and therefore cannot stretch to accommodate the blood which is being forced through them. When a cholesterol plaque in the coronary artery bursts, the platelets begin to clot inside the artery which prevents the other blood components from flowing
What factors can increase the chances of Coronary Heart Disease?
Poor diet, Lack of exercise, Stress, Smoking, Genetic predisposition, Age and Gender
How does a poor diet increase the risk of CHD?
Eating more saturated fat increases cholesterol levels, increasing the chance of the buildup of fatty plaques
How does lack of exercise increase the risk of CHD?
Being inactive can lead to cholesterol building up in the arteries as active people have lower blood pressure which means that blood flow would not increase to a level where plaques can burst.
How does stress increase the risk of CHD?
When under stress, hormones produced can increase blood pressure, increasing the chance of blockage in the coronary arteries
How does smoking increase the risk of CHD?
Nicotine in cigarettes will cause blood vessels to become narrower, increasing the blood pressure which will cause the buildup of fat globules; if this occurs in the coronary artery, it will increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease
How does genetic predisposition increase the risk of CHD?
People with a history of coronary heart disease in their family are more likely to develop it themselves
How does age affect the risk of CHD?
The risk of getting coronary heart disease increases as you get older as more cholesterol is built up in the arteries
How does gender affect the risk of CHD?
Males are more likely to develop coronary heart disease than females.
How can CHD be treated?
Aspirin can be taken daily to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in arteries; Angioplasty; Coronary bypass surgery