Atherosclerosis Case

Atherosclerosis

Why would atherosclerosis result in a heart attack? Provide a brief explanation based on how the heart functions.

Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque builds in the arteries. (National Heart Lund and Blood Institute, 2012) The plaque build-up will narrow the arteries and make them hard, and make it difficult for blood to flow through causing clots and blockage. Blockage keeps oxygen and other nutrients from getting to the heart and other organs in the body, and cause a heart attack.

The heart pumps blood through the body and is the center of the circulatory system. The circulatory system consists of arteries, veins, and capillaries that carry blood to and from different parts of the body. The electrical system controls the heart and uses electrical systems to signal the heart to contract its walls. When the walls contract blood is pumped into the circulatory system through inlet and outlet valves that make sure the blood gets where it needs to go. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to organs in the body as well as carbon dioxide to the lungs to be breathed out. (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2012)

How are arteries different from veins and capillaries? Describe the functions of both arteries and veins.

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and keep blood pressure consistent. Veins carry blood to the heart while capillaries connect the arteries and veins act as passage ways to carry nutrient, oxygen, and waste to parts of the body. (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2012)

Vertebrates and some invertebrates have a closed circulatory system. Explain the advantage of having a closed circulatory system over an open circulatory system?

Closed circulatory systems are more efficient. Because blood circulates inside the blood vessels, the blood pressure is higher, and the speed of circulation is faster and can supply more oxygen to tissues that use large quantities like muscular tissues and enable the faster movements. Blood flows slower in an open circulatory because there is no blood pressure once blood leaves the vessels. The animal would have to move its muscles to move blood within the open spaces. (http://www.biology-online.org)

Briefly explain how the lymphatic system is associated with the circulatory system?

The lymphatic system helps the immune system to kill pathogens and filter waste so the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system also works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients and oxygen from the blood to the cells of body tissue. (http://www.lymphnotes.com)

Describe one disease that affects the lymphatic vessels similarly to the way that atherosclerosis affects the arteries?

Lymphatic Insufficiency is a defect in the lymphatic