Pre Test (15 Points):
Examine question number 1 and 2 with the answers provided. Fill
the needed information to complete the given answers (1 point in
each number).
Question 1:
Discuss the key physiological changes that occur in the
hematopoietic system with advancing age, and explain how these
changes impact the body's ability to fight infection.
Answer:
The hematopoietic system undergoes several significant changes
with aging:
Decreased Bone Marrow Activity:
o Rationale: Bone marrow, the primary site of blood cell
production, becomes less active with age. This leads to
a decline in the production of all blood cell types,
including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells
(WBCs), and platelets.
o Impact: Reduced RBC production can lead to
1._______, causing fatigue and weakness. Decreased
2. ______ production, particularly neutrophils, impairs
the body's ability to fight infections, increasing the risk of
infections and their severity.
Impaired Immune Function:
o Rationale: Aging affects the immune system, leading to
a decline in both innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate Immunity: The first line of defense,
involving cells like macrophages and neutrophils,
becomes less efficient.
Adaptive Immunity: The ability to produce specific
3. _______ against new infections decreases,
making older adults more susceptible to infections
they have encountered before.
o Impact: This weakened immune response makes older
adults more vulnerable to infections, including
pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and influenza.
Changes in Lymphocyte Function:
o Rationale: While the total number of lymphocytes may
remain relatively stable, their function declines. T-cell
function diminishes, leading to decreased cell-mediated
immunity. B-cell responses may also be altered,
affecting antibody production.
o Impact: This decline in 4. __________ function
contributes to increased susceptibility to infections and
decreased responsiveness to vaccines.
Question 2:
Explain how age-related changes in the lymphatic system can
affect the body's ability to defend against disease and maintain fluid
balance.
Answer:
The lymphatic system also undergoes changes with aging,
impacting its crucial roles:
Decreased Lymphatic Drainage:
o Rationale: The lymphatic vessels, responsible for
draining fluid and immune cells from tissues, can
become less efficient with age. This can lead to impaired
fluid drainage and increased interstitial fluid
accumulation.
o Impact: This can contribute to lymphedema, a condition
characterized by swelling in the limbs due to fluid
buildup.
Changes in Lymph Node Function:
o Rationale: 5. _________, crucial for filtering lymph fluid
and mounting immune responses, can become less
responsive with age. They may become smaller and less
active, impacting their ability to effectively filter out
pathogens and present antigens to immune cells.
o Impact: This can impair the body's ability to effectively
fight infections and mount immune responses.
Increased Risk of Lymphoma:
o Rationale: While not directly related to age-related
changes in the lymphatic system itself, the risk of certain
types of lymphoma, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
increases with age.
o Impact: This highlights the importance of recognizing
the signs and symptoms of lymphoma in older adults.
These changes in the lymphatic system can have significant
implications for overall health and well-being in older individuals.
For 10 Points:
6. Write an essay about the answers provided based on question
number 1 and 2 if you will accept or reject the answer. Defend your
answer. (Ex. Accept. The answer in question number 1 and
2…….).
Note:
Don’t forget to indicate if accept or reject then to be followed by
your justification.
Post Test (15 Points):
Write an essay what have you learned in session 15?