Answered: Explain how heart function changes as…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Question

Explain how heart function changes as we age.

Expert Solution

Step 1

Aging is a part of life that leads to various changes within an individual's body, both in terms of structure (such as decreased elasticity of the cells and lesser bone and body mass) and physiological functions (poor digestive functioning, altered heart, and breathing rate).

Step 2

The primary organ of the cardiovascular system, that is, the heart also undergoes several physiological changes as an individual ages. These changes are as follow:

Some cells of the heart's sinoatrial node (also known as the heart's pacemaker) are lost, and there is a development of adipose and fibrous tissues in some of its pathways; as a result of these changes, the heart rate decreases.
The heart increases in size (especially the left ventricular chamber), and the walls of the heart thickens, which ultimately decreases the heart's blood holding capacity, and the filling of the heart becomes slower.
There is a deposition of the lipofuscin (aging pigment), degeneration of the cardiac muscles, and stiffening and thickening of the cardiac valves; all these hampers the flow of blood, and the generation of a heart murmur is common among aged people.