Physiological Changes Related To Aging Flashcards
1
Q
Musculoskeletal system
A
- fat deposits increase
- reduction in lean body mass
- reduction in total body water
- decrease in muscle size and strength
- imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption
2
Q
Skin changes
A
- wrinkling and drying due to loss of collagen and decrease in production of sebum
- dermal layer reduced by 20%: skin becomes thin and papery
- greying of hair dye to lose of melanin
- slowing of cell reproduction therefore skin healing slowed
3
Q
Cardiovascular changes
A
- aorta and arteries become less flexible
- heart less responsive to catecholamines
- left ventricular wall thicken with age
- cardiac output reduces
4
Q
Respiratory changes
A
- lung function decreased by 30%
- loss is elastic recoil due to changes in collagen
- loss of alveolar structure thus decreasing surface area for gas exchange
- increased difficulty in clearing secreations
5
Q
Neurological changes
A
- brain weight decreases
- neurone decrease in size in the brain and spinal cord
- changes in neurotransmitters
- decline in motor strength
- slowed reaction times
6
Q
Gastrointestinal changes
A
- decreases salivary secretions
- decreased motility in oesophagus
- atrophy of intestinal mucosa
- decreased large bowel motility
- loss of recognition of thirst
7
Q
Liver changes
A
- size and blood flow decrease
- ability to metabolise many substances decreases
- reduced ability to withstand stress
- changes colour
8
Q
Renal changes
A
- decline in kidney mass
- number of functional glomeruli decrease by 30-50%
- tubular function declined
- ability to concentrate and dilute urine is diminished
9
Q
Sensory changes
A
- tear production decreases
- lens thickens and loses its flexibility
- formation of arcus senilis
- tympanic membrane thickens
- malleus, incus and stapes become more rigid
- loss of hair cells in the organ of corti
10
Q
Make reproductive system
A
- decline in testicular mass
- increase in size of prostate gland
- decrease in levels of testosterone
- penis decreases in size
- erectile tissue loses elasticity
- sperm production decreases
11
Q
Female reproduction system
A
- decrease in oestrogen and progesterone
- loss of calcium caused by increased activity of osteoclasts normally inhibited by oestrogen
- Brest tissue atrophies
- ovaries attophy
- lining of vagina becomes thing and loses elasticity and lubrication
