Adaptation to High Altitude

Question 1

Define Adapatation.

Answer 1

Compensatory changes observed in populations native to high altitude for many generations that facilitate existence at reduced barometric pressure

Question 2

What are 2 ways for adaptation to occur?

Answer 2

Epigenetic
Darwinian

Question 3

What sex difference was seen in ventilation?

Answer 3

Men breathe more than women

Question 4

What are 4 characteristics at andean ventilation compared to sea level dwellers?

Answer 4

Higher resting ventilation
Higher Exercise ventilation
Similar or higher hypoxic ventilatory response
Higher SaO2 at rest & exercise

Question 5

What are 5 characteristics at Andean lungs compared to sea level dwellers?

Answer 5

higher vital capacities
higher FEV1
Higher maximal expiratory flow rates
Higher diffusing capacities
Lower A-a O2 gaps

Question 6

What is body size determined by?

Answer 6

available O2 levels

Question 7

What is the equation for cardiac index?

Answer 7

CO/body surface area

Question 8

What is a high altitude population?

Answer 8

A population that lives above 2500m

Question 9

Which ventricle hypotrophies in high altitude?

Answer 9

Right ventricle

Question 10

How do andeans increase O2 delivery at high altitude?

Answer 10

Increasing Hb concentration

Question 11

Is elevated Hb of the Andeans due to genes or a hypoxic response?

Answer 11

Hypoxic response

Question 12

How are mammal species at HA different to andeans?

Answer 12

Ppa for mammals is not elevated
thin arterial walls (no thickening)

Question 13

What are 5 characteristics of HA adapted mammals?

Answer 13

Normal PAP
normal RV size
Blunted HPV
normal Hct
Maintain higher PaO2 than SL animals at HA