Question 1

During middle adulthood, how can one compensate for the physical changes associated with aging?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise can help maintain lung capacity and overall physical health, mitigating some effects of aging.

Question 2

Why does the metabolic rate decline as we age?

Accepted Answer

As we age, muscle mass tends to decrease and fat mass tends to increase. Since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, this shift contributes to a decline in metabolic rate.

Question 3

Bone, which consists largely of calcium, begins to lose density and strength at around the age of ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Bone, which consists largely of calcium, begins...

Question 4

What is a critique of the statement, "People in the United States profit from having the best health care in the world?"

Accepted Answer

The critique that some socioeconomic groups and racial and ethnic minority groups lack access to health care highlights a significant flaw in the statement. It points out that not everyone in the United States benefits from the health care system, regardless of its quality, due to disparities in access.

Question 5

At a local community center, urologist Dr. Cole raises awareness about the risks for prostate cancer for certain racial and ethnic groups. For which group of people does Dr. Cole advise prostate cancer screenings beginning at the age of 45?

Accepted Answer

African American men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer and are advised to start screenings at the age of 45.

Question 6

The development of malignant or cancerous cells in parts of the body other than where they originated from is referred to as ____.

Accepted Answer

Metastasis refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.

Question 7

What cellular event is a trigger for cancer?

Accepted Answer

DNA mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, which is a hallmark of cancer. These mutations can be in genes that control cell cycle, apoptosis, or DNA repair, leading to cancer development.

Question 8

Which is an example of a carcinogen?

Accepted Answer

Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses, can lead to cancer, making them carcinogens.

Question 9

While researching cancer mortality rates for a school project, Diana notices that racial and ethnic minority groups have higher cancer mortality rates. What is the likely cause for these differences?

Accepted Answer

Lack of early detection and treatment is a significant factor contributing to higher cancer mortality rates among racial and ethnic minority groups. This is often due to disparities in access to healthcare services, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Question 10

In the United States, what is the lifetime risk of developing cancer for males?

Accepted Answer

The lifetime risk of developing cancer for males in the United States is 1 in 2, according to statistics from the American Cancer Society. This high risk underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.

Question 11

While writing a report on the causes of cancer, Tamika is surprised to find out that 30% of all cancers in Western cultures are due to ____.

Accepted Answer

Diet is a significant factor in the incidence of cancer in Western cultures, accounting for about 30% of all cases. This includes factors such as high consumption of processed and red meats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and obesity-related issues.

Question 12

Arteriosclerosis is best defined as the ____.

Accepted Answer

Arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries, which can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues.

Question 13

Fifty-eight-year old Jerry learns that he has atherosclerosis; his cardiologist explains to him that ____.

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow.

Question 14

A white blood cell is referred to as a(n) ____.

Accepted Answer

Leukocytes are white blood cells, which are part of the immune system and help the body fight infection and disease.

Question 15

Pedro is infected with the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pedro's white blood cells generate what substance in response to the Streptococcus pneumoniae to help Pedro's body fight off the infection?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, to help fight off infections.

Question 16

Dexter falls and bumps his knee while out for his morning jog. By the end of the day, the site of the injury shows the classical signs of inflammation: redness, swelling and warmth. What physiological response caused the inflammation?

Accepted Answer

The classical signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, and warmth) are due to increased blood flow, increased cell numbers (including white blood cells), and the release of chemicals at the site of injury, which is described in option C.

Question 17

How can stress increase the risk of heart attack in vulnerable individuals?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How can stress increase the risk of...

Question 18

Compared with early adulthood, sexual activity in middle adulthood tends to ____.

Accepted Answer

Sexual activity tends to decrease in middle adulthood compared to early adulthood, often due to factors like health, stress, and changes in libido.

Question 19

Why is it thought that a significant percentage of 50- to 59-year-old women become sexually inactive?

Accepted Answer

Many women in this age group may become sexually inactive due to changes in their relationship status, such as becoming widowed or divorced, which can significantly impact their sexual activity.

Question 20

The most common sexual problem among men during the latter part of middle adulthood is ____.

Accepted Answer

Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem among men during the latter part of middle adulthood, often due to a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.

Quiz 8: Middle Adulthood