Ageing-related physiological changes can increase the risk of diseases and progr
ID: 126626 • Letter: A
Question
Ageing-related physiological changes can increase the risk of diseases and progression of diseases.
Complete the following table summarising age related physiological changes:
1.Sensory function, e.g. vision and hearing
2.Cardiac function
3.Respiratory function
4.Neurological function
5.Musculoskeletal function, e.g. bones, muscles and joints
6.Genitourinary function including changes to kidney structure and function
7.Endocrine function
8.Skin integrity
Functions or physiological state of human body Provide 2-3 examples of changes to these functions or physiological state of the human body when we ageExplanation / Answer
sensory function:Each part of the human eye is an extremely specialized structure and the most important optical instrument. Here lies the focusing lens, giving a miniature-inverted image to an incredibly dense mosaic of light-sensitive receptors, which convert the patterns of light energy into the language the brain can read -- chains of electrical impulses.The neural system responsible for vision starts with the retinas.Vision disorders are a major public health problem because they cause disability, suffering, and loss of productivity as we start ageing. age-related vision impairment, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, they found that both were independently associated with hearing loss. ... Another common risk factor for cataract and visual and hearing impairments is diabetes.
Cardiac function:The primary function of the heart is to impart energy to blood in order to generate and sustain an arterial blood pressure necessary to provide adequate perfusion of organs. The heart achieves this by contracting its muscular walls around a closed chamber to generate sufficient pressure to propel blood from the left ventricle, through the aortic valve and into the aorta. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death of elderly men and women.
Respiratory function:It accomplishes this through breathing: inhaling oxygen-rich air and exhaling air filled with carbon dioxide, which is a waste gas. The respiratory system is made up of airways (your nose, mouth, voice box, windpipe and bronchial tubes) and the lungs and the muscles and blood vessels connected to them.Older people are at higher risk of developing pneumonia after bacterial or viral infections. Thus, vaccines for respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia are particularly important for older people.
Neurological function:Some of the more common neurological disorders that affect seniors include strokes, neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,myopathy,myasthenia gravis.A neurological disorder is any disorder of the nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms.
Musculo skeletal function:The musculoskeletal system's primary functions include supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs. ... This system describes how bones are connected to other bones and muscle fibers via connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments. The bones provide stability to the body.It is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together. some of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders of the elderly, such as fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, microcrystal disorders, infections, and tumors.
Genitourinary function:The genitourinary system or urogenital system is the organ system of the reproductive organs and the urinary system. These are grouped together because of their proximity to each other, their common embryological origin and the use of common pathways, like the male urethra.Some of the most common disorders seen in elderly are acute kidney injury,benign prostrate disease,chronic kidney disease,cystic kidney disease,dysuria etc
Endocrine function:The endocrine system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by producing and secreting hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that affect the activity of another part of the body. In essence, hormones serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout the body.In women, the decline in estrogen levels leads to menopause in older age. In men, testosterone levels usually decrease gradually. Decreased levels of growth hormone may lead to decreased muscle mass and strength.
Skin integrity: A skin integrity issue might mean the skin is damaged, vulnerable to injury or unable to heal normally.Skin provides several important functions, namely protection from external environmental influences, thermoregulation, electrolyte balance and sensation – pain, touch, heat and cold. As we age, the layers of the skin and the junction between the epidermis and dermis become thin and flatten and circulation is reduced.Dry, flaking skin is a common problem among adults, especially the elderly. Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) are skin ulcers that develop from pressure when people lie in bed or sit in a chair for long periods of time. Wrinkles are the most visible sign of aging skin. They follow chronic sun exposure and form when the skin loses its flexibility.