Cardiovascular disease T1

Question 1

How does the structure of the aorta relate to it’s function?

3

Answer 1

• Thick wall/ lots of collagen.
• So it may withstand high pressure/ avoid rupture.
• Elastic muscle.
• Control flow of blood/ maintain high pressure.
• Smooth endothelial wall to avoid friction.
• Large lumen to accommodate a high volume of blood.

Question 2

Describe differences between the structure of a capillary and the structure of a vein.
(2)

Answer 2

• Capillary walls are on cell thick.
• No valves in capillaries.
• Capillaries have narrower lumen.
• Capillaries have pores.

Question 3

Explain why a blood clot in an artery leading to the brain could cause a stroke.
(3)

Answer 3

• Reduced blood flow.
• Less oxygen/glucose reaches the brain.
• Less/no aerobic respiration.
• Less/no ATP produced.
• Brain needs a lot of ATP/energy to function.
• Lactic acid produced during anaerobic respiration.
• Lactic acid inhibits enzymes.

Question 4

Callum’s family have a history of strokes.
Suggest lifestyle changes Callum could make to reduce his risk of suffering a stroke in later life.
(2)

Answer 4

• Less saturated fat/cholesterol.
• Less salt.
• Less/moderate alcohol.
• Increase activity/regular exercise.
• Reduce stress.
• Reduced smoking.
• Reduced/healthy BMI.

Question 5

Explain the benefits of plant statins to human health.

2

Answer 5

• Lower blood cholesterol.
• Less chance of CVD.
• Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in liver.

Question 6

Why would a CVD patient take platelet inhibitory drugs, such as aspirin.
(2)

Answer 6

• Prevents platelets from becoming sticky.
• Preventing the formation of a clot.
• Preventing CVD, for example a stroke.

Question 7

Why would a CVD patient take antihypertensives such as beta-blockers.
(2)

Answer 7

• Reduce blood pressure.
• Lower heart rate.
• Prevent muscles in vessel walls contracting.

Question 8

Explain the role of antihypertensive drugs in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
(4)

Answer 8

• Antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure.
• Lowered blood pressure reduces risk to damage to endothelium in artery,
• Reduced risk of inflammatory response.
• Reduced risk of atheroma formation.

Question 9

Describe differences between the structure of an artery and a capillary.
(2)

Answer 9

• Artery has thicker walls.
• Arteries have more collagen.
• Arteries have more muscle.
• Arteries have more elastic tissue.
• Arteries have no pores/capillaries do.
• Capillaries have narrower lumen.