Choose three body systems from the list below and discuss some of the effects of aging on those systems
Cardiovascular system; musculoskeletal system; integumentary system (skin, hair, nails); special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell); nervous system.
The discussion of age-related changes to the body systems may include the following answers:
• Cardiovascular system
? Maximal heart rate decreases.
? Maximal cardiac output decreases.
? Buildup of fatty plaque in blood vessels, resulting in atherosclerosis
• Musculoskeletal system
? Bone strength declines with decrease in bone mineral density (osteoporosis).
? Bone mass declines after age 20.
? Loss of bone mass accelerates in women after menopause from decline in estrogen.
? Loss of connective tissue between joints
? Muscle mass declines after age 20.
? Loss of muscle mass results in reduced mobility and independence, increases risk of falls.
• Integumentary system (skin, hair, nails)
? Oil production declines; skin and hair become dry.
? Changes in connective tissue lead to wrinkles.
? Skin pigmentation changes; spots appear.
? Hair begins to thin after age 20.
? Follicles produce less pigment; hair fades to gray.
• Special senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell)
? Loss of ability to focus on close objects (presbyopia)
? Night vision becomes impaired.
? Loss of depth perception
? Cellular changes in tongue and nose diminish taste and smell, changes that can contribute to appetite loss.
• Nervous system
? Loss of brain cells (neurons)
? Decrease in neurotransmitters
? Gradual loss of memory
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