Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you trace the flow of blood through the cardiovascular system, starting with the superior and inferior vena cava?

The blood enters the right atrium of the heart from the superior (upper top part of body) and inferior (from lower body) vena cava. It takes the following path: vena cavae -- to right atrium -- to the right ventricle -- to right and left pulmonary arteries -- to lungs -- to pulmonary veins -- to left atrium -- to left ventricle -- to aorta.

What is the value of knowing the major diseases and disorders, the preventive measures, and age-related changes as they relate to each body system?

Knowing the major diseases and disorders allows the health care worker to understand the issues facing patients and how best to assist in their health care. Educating patients about preventive measures may assist them in making lifestyle changes that will aid in their health and delay the development of additional problems. Age-related changes are inevitable, and knowing them helps the health care worker determine what is, and is not, abnormal for a particular patient.

What is the difference between the sudoriferous glands and the sebaceous glands of the skin?

The sudoriferous glands are the sweat glands, and the sebaceous glands are the oil glands.

When a person eats a meal, what is the path the food takes through the digestive system?

Food takes the following path through the digestive system: mouth -- to esophagus -- to stomach -- to small intestines -- to large intestines -- to rectum -- to anus.

How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems vary in their effect on the body systems?

The sympathetic system is called the “fight or flight” reaction to cope with emergencies: heart rate increases, lung airways dilate, blood pressure increases, digestive activity decreases, urinary bladder relaxes, pupils dilate, sweat glands increase production, and hair muscles contract.

The parasympathetic system is for normal daily function: heart rate decreases, lung airways constrict, blood pressure decreases, digestive activity increases, urinary bladder constricts, pupils constrict, sweat glands decrease production, and hair muscles relax.