Target Organs Flashcards
What personal variables affect the bodies response to toxins?
Age
Sex
Underlying illness
Medication
Alcohol
Smoking
Genetics
What are types of health affects caused by toxins?
Asphyxiation
Irritation
Narcosis
Systemic toxicity
Reproductive effects
Genotoxicity
Carcinogenicity
Benign tumour
Malignant tumour
Sensitisation
What are the main target organs and systems of toxins?
Circulatory system (blood)
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
Nervous system
Skin
What makes the respiratory system susceptible to damage?
Rapid gas exchange
High surface area
Sensitivity of mucosal tissue
How can the lung remove toxins?
Expelling them through exhalation or mucociliary escalator and swallowing / coughing
Absorption into blood stream
What affects the depth of penetration of toxins into the lungs?
Size of particles
<10 microns can reach deep into the lungs
Particules of approx 5 microns can reach the alveoli
What are the key health effects that occur in the lungs?
Irritation
Pneumoconiosis
Emphysema
Lung cancer
Rhinitis
Occupational asthma
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Byssinosis
What 2 areas of the nervous system can be affected by neurotoxins?
The central nervous system
The peripheral nervous system
What does the central nervous system consist of?
The brain and spinal chord
What does the peripheral nervous system consist of and do?
It consists of nerves/neurons that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body
It controls the sensory and motor systems
What are the main effects of neurotoxins?
Impact transmission channels
May cause stimulation
Binds neurotransmitter receptor sites
Inhibits neurotransmitter enzymes
Damages myelin sheath
Causes morphological damage
Necrosis
What are the physiological functions of skin?
Temperature regulation
Protection from mechanical shocks (physical impact)
UV light protection
Reduced moisture loss from underlying tissue
What are the skins defence mechanisms against bacteria?
Natural bacteria destroys pathogens
Dry environment
Slightly acidic
Bactericidal oils
What are the skins defence mechanisms against UV?
Pigmentation
Thickening
What are the 2 main types of chemical hazards to skin?
Contact irritants
Allergic sensitisers
What are chemical affects on the skin?
Irritation
Allergen sensitisation
Stimulation of tumour growth
Oil removal
Erosion of epidermis
What are types of mechanical erosion to the skin?
Friction (blisters and calluses)
Laceration
Puncture
Tearing
What are physical non-mechanical causes of skin disease?
Hot and cold injuries
Radiation
What are biological causes of skin disease?
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Parasites
What is haemotoxicity?
Impairment of the number or function of blood cells
What type of blood cell is an erythrocyte?
Haemoglobin cell carrying o2 and co2
What type of blood cell is a leukocyte?
White blood cell that forms part of the body’s defences
What type of blood cell is a thrombocyte?
A disc shaped platelet forming part of the clotting mechanism
Toxic effect in blood cells can cause what diseases?
Anaemia
Leukaemia
Haemolysis
Carboxyhemoglobin formation
