Each of the special senses can be expected to decline in some way over time. Describe some of the changes commonly seen in the function of the special senses with age
What will be an ideal response?
Olfactory receptors are reduced in number and olfactory glands decline in activity. Both changes reduce olfactory acuity. Gustatory sense declines with a decline in the number of taste buds and taste receptors. Vision suffers from a loss of retinal function, clouding of lens and cornea, and loss of lens elasticity, leading to senile hyperopia (presbyopia). Hearing declines due to accumulation of cerumen, scarring of the tympanum, arthritis of the ossicular chain, and loss of proximal hair cells in the organ of Corti, leading to high-tone deafness. Balance declines due to nerve problems, fluid problems, and vascular problems, leading to faulty or delayed vestibular information. That decline coupled with a sluggish and weak motor response increases the risk of falls and consequent trauma.
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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
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A) absorption of the products of digestion. B) chemical digestion of chyme. C) temporary food storage. D) resorption of water and compaction of feces. E) All of these answers are correct.
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A) obesity. B) a disorder of the immune system. C) an effect of aging. D) excess sugar in the diet.
With respect to divergence of axons in the sympathetic division of the ANS, one axon innervates fewer than four ganglionic cell bodies.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)