How does thick mucus affect airflow in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis?

Thick mucus blocks bronchioles and reduces ventilation.

Explain why people with cystic fibrosis suffer from recurrent lung infections.

Trapped bacteria multiply in the thick mucus, causing persistent infections.

What long-term damage occurs to lung tissue in cystic fibrosis?

Chronic inflammation damages lung tissue.

What structure in the digestive system becomes blocked by mucus in cystic fibrosis?

The pancreatic duct becomes blocked by mucus.

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Genes and Health

The effects of cystic fibrosis, and the chi-squared test

3 things to know
Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on the CFTR protein and the effects on the lungs, digestion and fertility, and on using the chi-squared test.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Process

Why are cilia ineffective at clearing mucus in cystic fibrosis patients?

Process

What nutritional consequences result from pancreatic duct blockage in cystic fibrosis?

Key term

What happens to mucus consistency as a result of defective CFTR channels?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What happens to mucus consistency as a result of defective CFTR channels?
Model answer
Mucus becomes thick and viscous due to reduced water content.
2
How does thick mucus affect airflow in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis?
Model answer
Thick mucus blocks bronchioles and reduces ventilation.
3
Why are cilia ineffective at clearing mucus in cystic fibrosis patients?
Model answer
Cilia cannot effectively move the viscous mucus because it is too thick and sticky.
4
Explain why people with cystic fibrosis suffer from recurrent lung infections.
Model answer
Trapped bacteria multiply in the thick mucus, causing persistent infections.
5
What long-term damage occurs to lung tissue in cystic fibrosis?
Model answer
Chronic inflammation damages lung tissue.
6
What structure in the digestive system becomes blocked by mucus in cystic fibrosis?
Model answer
The pancreatic duct becomes blocked by mucus.

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