Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals Flashcards
7 cards from real SHS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals flashcards as text
The alveoli in the lungs are significant for occupational health because they are the site of:
Answer: Gas exchange between air and blood
Alveoli are thin-walled sacs where oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream and CO2 diffuses out, making them the primary target of inhaled occupational hazards.
Which organ is the primary site for Phase I and Phase II detoxification of occupational chemical hazards?
Answer: Liver
The liver metabolizes toxic chemicals through Phase I (oxidation/reduction) and Phase II (conjugation) reactions, converting them into water-soluble compounds for excretion.
A worker with silicosis would show fibrotic changes primarily in which anatomical structure?
Answer: Alveolar walls
Silica particles deposited in the alveoli trigger an inflammatory response leading to progressive fibrosis of the alveolar walls, reducing gas exchange capacity.
What is the role of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the context of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Answer: Hemoglobin binds CO with greater affinity than O2, preventing oxygen transport
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with approximately 240 times greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and drastically reducing oxygen-carrying capacity.
In assessing musculoskeletal disorders, which joint type allows the widest range of motion and is most susceptible to workplace rotator cuff injuries?
Answer: Ball-and-socket joint
Ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder, permit multiaxial movement but sacrifice stability, making them prone to rotator cuff tears in overhead work tasks.
Which physiological mechanism explains why workers experience heat exhaustion when sweating heavily in a hot environment?
Answer: Excessive fluid and electrolyte loss reduces plasma volume and cardiac output
Profuse sweating depletes blood volume and electrolytes, reducing venous return and cardiac output, which leads to circulatory insufficiency characteristic of heat exhaustion.
The lymphatic system contributes to occupational health protection primarily by:
Answer: Removing interstitial fluid and supporting immune surveillance against pathogens
Lymph vessels drain excess tissue fluid and transport immune cells that identify and respond to pathogens and foreign substances encountered in the workplace.