Which two of the following changes (i -iv) usually tend to occur in t...
When plain dwellers move to high altitudes, they experience various physiological changes to adapt to the low oxygen levels. Two of the changes that usually occur in this situation are an increase in red blood cell size and an increase in thrombocyte count.
Increased Red Blood Cell Size:
- At high altitudes, the reduced availability of oxygen stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. This is known as polycythemia.
- Polycythemia helps to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, allowing the body to deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
- An increase in red blood cell size, also known as macrocytosis, is a common adaptation to high-altitude environments.
- Larger red blood cells have a higher surface area, which enables them to carry more oxygen molecules.
Increased Thrombocyte Count:
- Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, are blood cells involved in clotting and wound healing.
- When individuals move to high altitudes, the low oxygen levels can cause an increase in thrombocyte count.
- The higher thrombocyte count aids in the formation of blood clots, which is essential for preventing excessive bleeding and promoting wound healing.
- This adaptation ensures that any injuries or wounds can be quickly sealed off, reducing the risk of excessive blood loss.
Other Changes that May Occur:
- While not mentioned in the question, it is worth noting that increased breathing rate (iii) and increased red blood cell production (ii) are also common changes that occur in plain dwellers when they move to high altitudes.
- Increased breathing rate helps to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels by increasing the amount of oxygen taken in with each breath.
- Increased red blood cell production is another adaptation to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity and deliver more oxygen to the tissues.
Conclusion:
- When plain dwellers move to high altitudes, they undergo several physiological changes to adapt to the low oxygen levels.
- Two of the common changes that occur in this situation are an increase in red blood cell size (i) and an increase in thrombocyte count (iv).
- These changes help to improve oxygen-carrying capacity and promote wound healing and clotting.
Which two of the following changes (i -iv) usually tend to occur in t...
The body undergoes numerous changes at higher elevation in order to increase oxygen delivery to cells and improve efficiency of oxygen use. The early changes includes increased breathing rate, increased heart rate and fluid shifts. The later changes includes increased red blood cell production, increased 2,3 DPG production and increased number of capillaries.
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