Unit 2-KA7

Question 1

Describe the process of atherosclerosis

Answer 1

The accumulation of fatty material (consisting of mainly cholesterol), fibrous material and calcium, forming an atheroma beneath the endothelium of the artery.

Question 2

What can atherosclerosis cause

Answer 2

Various CVD-
Angina
Heart attack
Stroke
PVD

Question 3

Give two effects that atherosclerosis has on the structure of an artery

Answer 3

Artery thickens
Loses its elasticity
Lumen diameter is reduced

Question 4

Describe the events leading to a myocardial infarction

Answer 4

A thrombus breaks loose and forms an embolus that travels through the bloodstream.
Thrombosis blocks coronary artery

Question 5

Describe the events leading to a stroke

Answer 5

Thrombus breaks loose and forms an embolus that travels through the bloodstream.
Thrombus blocks an artery to the brain

Question 6

Give two examples of Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Answer 6

Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT

Pulmonary embolism

Question 7

Name the organ which is responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol

Answer 7

Liver

Question 8

Give two functions of cholesterol in the body

Answer 8

Component of cell membranes 
Makes sex hormones-
testosterone
oestrogen
progesterone

Question 9

Describe the role of high density lipoprotein-HDL

Answer 9

Transports excess cholesterol from the body cells>liver for elimination, this prevents accumulation of cholesterol in the blood

Question 10

Describe the role of low density lipoprotein-LDL

Answer 10

Transports cholesterol to body cells

Question 11

Name the type of control that causes the inhibition of LDL receptor synthesis once a cell has sufficient cholesterol

Answer 11

Negative Feeback-
Once a cell has sufficient cholesterol a negative feedback system-
inhibits the synthesis of new LDL receptors
LDL circulates in the blood where it may deposit cholesterol in the arteries forming atheromas

Question 12

Describe the function of LDL receptors

Answer 12

LDL receptors take LDL into the cell where it releases the cholesterol

Question 13

Explain the benefit of a higher ratio of HDL to LDL in the blood plasma

Answer 13

Results in lower blood cholesterol

Reduced chance of atherosclerosis

Question 14

Explain the benefit of regular exercise in reducing blood cholesterol levels

Answer 14

Regular physical activity tends to raise HDL levels
Lowers blood cholesterol
Lowers chance of developing atherosclerosis

Question 15

Name one group of drugs taken to reduce blood cholesterol

Answer 15

Statins-

inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol by liver cells

Question 16

Describe DVT

Answer 16

Blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg, this can break off and result in a pulmonary embolism in the lungs

Question 17

Describe a pulmonary embolism

Answer 17

When part of a thrombus breaks free and travels to the pulmonary artery, this can cause a blockage resulting in-
chest pain
breathing difficulties