Question 1

Why is hypertension common among elderly people?

Accepted Answer

As people age, their blood vessels naturally stiffen and lose flexibility, which can contribute to increased blood pressure, making hypertension more common among the elderly.

Question 2

Based on this figure, which of the following is the largest risk factor for cancer?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Obesity is an example of a chronic disease because it

Accepted Answer

Obesity is considered a chronic disease because it persists over a long time and can lead to physiological changes in the body, such as increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered normal for systolic pressure?

Accepted Answer

A normal systolic blood pressure is considered to be around 120 mmHg.

Question 5

Which of the following occurs during systolic pressure?

Accepted Answer

Systolic pressure occurs when the ventricles contract, pushing blood out of the heart and into the arteries.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about leptin and obesity is correct?

Accepted Answer

Obese individuals frequently have high levels of leptin due to their larger amount of body fat; however, their bodies may become less sensitive or resistant to leptin's effects, leading to difficulties in appetite suppression and energy regulation.

Question 7

Which of the following have a thicker muscular wall?

Accepted Answer

Arteries have a thicker muscular wall compared to veins and capillaries. This is because they need to withstand and regulate the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart.

Question 8

The smallest blood vessels are __________.

Accepted Answer

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, connecting arterioles and venules and facilitating the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrients and waste substances between blood and surrounding tissues.

Question 9

As levels of body fat increase, leptin levels __________ and appetite is __________.

Accepted Answer

Leptin is a hormone that is produced by fat cells. As levels of body fat increase, leptin levels also increase. Leptin signals to the brain that the body has enough fat stores, which suppresses appetite.

Question 10

Blood from the body enters the __________ of the heart.

Accepted Answer

Blood from the body enters the heart through the right atrium, receiving deoxygenated blood from the superior and inferior vena cavae.

Question 11

DNA replication occurs during the __________ of the cell cycle.

Accepted Answer

DNA replication occurs specifically during the S phase (Synthesis phase) of the cell cycle, which is part of interphase.

Question 12

Alex has just given blood at the Red Cross blood drive. Immediately afterward, his systolic blood pressure would likely be __________.

Accepted Answer

After giving blood, it's common for systolic blood pressure to drop slightly due to the temporary reduction in blood volume.

Question 13

Mutations in which of the following are most likely to lead to cancer?

Accepted Answer

Genes that control the cell cycle are directly involved in the regulation of cell division. Mutations in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer.

Question 14

An agent that causes genetic mutations is called __________.

Accepted Answer

A carcinogen is an agent that can cause genetic mutations, which may lead to cancer.

Question 15

Alex has just given blood at the Red Cross blood drive, and immediately after the event, his blood pressure is a little lower than normal. How might his body respond to this?

Accepted Answer

When blood pressure is lower than normal, one way the body can respond is by constricting the arteries. This increases the blood pressure by reducing the diameter of the blood vessels, thereby increasing resistance to blood flow.

Question 16

Although high caloric input is an obvious cause of obesity, which of the following factors also contribute(s) to this disease?

Accepted Answer

An inactive lifestyle and the availability of nonhealthy foods both contribute to obesity by promoting energy imbalance and unhealthy eating habits, respectively.

Question 17

Judy had plaque buildup in her arteries. When one of these ruptured, a blood clot traveled to her brain where it blocked blood flow, resulting in death of some of the brain cells. This is an example of __________.

Accepted Answer

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. In Judy's case, the blood clot that traveled to her brain and blocked blood flow led to the death of some brain cells, which is characteristic of a stroke.

Question 18

Sarah is a little underweight for her size. As a result, her leptin levels will be __________ if she gained a bit more weight.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sarah is a little underweight for her...

Question 19

All of the following are examples of chronic diseases EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Influenza is an acute viral infection, not a chronic disease. Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are all examples of chronic conditions that persist over a long period of time.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about plaques?

Accepted Answer

Plaques in the context of cardiovascular health refer to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup can lead to the narrowing of the arteries, which restricts blood flow and can contribute to various cardiovascular diseases.

Quiz 21: The Biology of Chronic Disease