Circulatory System Open Response

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4 questions

Cholesterol is a waxy, organic substance found in body cells and in blood. The human body uses cholesterol to make cell membranes, vitamin D, hormones, and bile (a liver product). There are two major types of cholesterol, both produced by the liver.
LDL cholesterol is called “bad cholesterol.” Excess amounts of LDL cholesterol in the blood mix with other substances and stick to the walls of arteries. The arteries become narrow and lose flexibility as these cholesterol layers build up and harden (a condition called atherosclerosis).
HDL cholesterol is called “good cholesterol.” HDL cholesterol can help transport LDL cholesterol out of the blood to be processed and eliminated from the body.
Total cholesterol levels in the body can be affected by genetics and diet. For example, a person may inherit genes that result in low cholesterol or high cholesterol; or a person may eat large amounts of animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, that are high in cholesterol. Exercise, medications, or changes in diet may help lower LDL blood cholesterol levels in humans. Increasing the amount of fiber in a diet, for example, is one specific action that may lower LDL cholesterol levels.

List one way that the human body uses cholesterol for.

Blood carries oxygen to body cells. Identify the process in body cells that directly requires oxygen.

Blood carries oxygen to body cells. Identify the structure that transport oxygen in the blood.

Individuals monitor their total cholesterol levels to try to assess their risk of atherosclerosis. In atheroscleroisis, the arteries become narrow and lose flexibility as these cholesterol layers build up and harden. Describe the effect of atherosclerosis on the amount of oxygen supplied to body cells.