Blog

One morning while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Alphonso s…

One morning while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Alphonso swims directly into the path of an evil sea monster, which bites off part of his left arm. The resulting blood loss sends Alphonso into shock by the time he is rescued. His symptoms include paleness, cool skin, tachycardia, and a weak pulse. Explain each of these symptoms in detail using correct physiological terminology.  Your answer should explain how and why they have occurred based on the body’s responses to this type of crisis situation.

Extra Credit (3 Points): When a patient experiences a heart…

Extra Credit (3 Points): When a patient experiences a heart arrhythmia, such as fibrillation or tachycardia, a physician may perform carotid sinus massage.  This technique puts pressure on the common carotid artery at the point where it divides into the internal and external carotid arteries and mimics higher pressure from the blood inside.  This technique can slow the heart rate and return it to a normal rhythm.  Thinking about what you have learned about the anatomical structures involved in short-term blood pressure regulation, select each answer below that supports how and why this technique works.