T2L13 The effect of CF on the body Flashcards
What is the root cause of problems for CF patients
The lack of functioning CFTR proteins means that Chloride ions can’t be transported across the membrane of epithelial cells so water is not drawn out of the e cells so mucus is thick and sticky
What affect does CF have on the digestive system
The pancreatic duct is blocked due to mucus being too thick.
This means that enzymes aren’t released into the digestive tract and food is not broken down properly. This means that nutrients are not properly absorbed and people with CF can be malnourished.
Because the enzymes are trapped in the pancreas, they start to digest the pancreatic tissue - leading to cysts of hard fibrous tissue forming. The damage that these cysts cause prevent enough insulin from being produced which can lead to diabetes.
What effect does CF have on sweat glands
Salt is normally absorbed by CFTR and ENaCs from sweat as it moves towards skin
Absence of CFTR means sweat is extra salty
Why do men with CF have fertility problems
Sperm ducts are blocked by mucus.
Sperm does not reach semen
No sperm will be present in semen to fertilise egg
Why do women with CF have fertility problems
Fallopian tubes are blocked by mucus. So cannot travel to be fertilised/sperm cannot reach.
Thick mucus across the cervix prevent sperm from entering the uterus to travel up to fertilise the egg.
Malnourishment means that the reproductive system may not be working properly e.g no period.
