ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

1. Mrs. Hurado goes to her dentist and, after having a couple of cavities filled, her dentist strongly
suggest that she reduce her intake of sodas and increase her intake in calcium phosphates in the
food she eats. Why?
-Sugar in carbonated drinks is primarily the source of cavities. Bacteria in the mouth
feed on the sugar make an acid that dissolves tooth enamel, which eventually causes cavities.
Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus all play a vital role in the formation and maintenance of
healthy teeth and gums in both children and adults. Calcium plays a role in making the jaw
bones healthy and strong to hold the teeth in place. However, calcium needs phosphorus to
maximise its bone strengthening benefits.

2. How can DNA be used to fingerprint a suspect in a crime?

-Forensic experts compare DNA samples from different sources. They then narrow
down to the stretches of the repetitive DNA scattered in these samples. The profile of the
repetitive regions in a particular DNA represents its fingerprint. Because no two people
possess the same regions of repetitive DNA, the scientists use this to identify different people.

3. A 65 year old client came to the emergency room with complaints of severe heartburn unrelieved
by taking a large handful of antacids. Would you expect the pH to be high or low? Explain why?
-Also known as acid reflux, which can cause heartburn and/or inflammation of the
gullet (oesophagitis). Antacids work by counteracting (neutralising) the acid in your stomach.
They do this because the chemicals in antacids are bases (alkalis) making the pH level in the
body high.

4. A 32 year old was riding his road bike in 100 degree heat when he suddenly became nauseated and
weak. He called 911 from his cellphone. When the ambulance came, the paramedics started
intravenous therapy for severe dehydration. Explain the critical role of water to maintain
homeostasis.
-Water is an essential feature of homeostasis in an organism. Water increases the
volume of blood, which affects blood pressure and heart rate. Water dissolves gases and allow
for efficient exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Water can be excreted, so
it carries toxins that have been made water-soluble out of the body. Water removes heat from
the body when a person sweats, which helps the person regulate body temperature.

5. A 70-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for non-healing pressure ulcers to his heels. He has
been bedridden for 20 years because of degenerative muscle disease. Explain why protein would
be important part of his diet to promote wound healing?
-Proteins are building blocks of the body. The person has to consume three times the
amount of protein in order to keep up with the body’s demand. Protein aids the body in
repairing damaged tissues. Zinc helps the body synthesize proteins and develop collagen, so it
is an important mineral for wound healing. As long as you are taking in sufficient amounts of
protein from meats, you should be getting enough zinc in your diet.