Cystic Fibrosis + Effects

• What causes cystic fibrosis (CF)?

  A mutation on chromosome 7
• What is the role of the CFTR protein?

  Transport chloride ions across epithelial membranes
• In which systems is the CFTR protein found?

  Digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems
• What happens to mucus in people with cystic fibrosis?

  • Chloride ions cannot leave epithelial cells
  • Sodium ions cannot move into mucus
  • Water moves into epithelial cells by osmosis
  • Mucus becomes thick, sticky, and viscous
  • Mucus cannot be removed by the body
• What is the effect of thick mucus in the respiratory system?

  Higher chance of infection
• Why is there a reduced rate of gas exchange in cystic fibrosis?

  Thick mucus blocks airflow to alveoli
• How does thick mucus affect the concentration gradient of gases?

  It decreases the concentration gradient
• What is the impact of mucus coating the alveoli?

  Increases diffusion distance and reduces surface area
• What can physiotherapy do for people with cystic fibrosis?

  Loosen mucus in the airways
• What happens to the pancreatic duct in cystic fibrosis?

  It can become blocked
• What is the consequence of a blocked pancreatic duct?

  Enzymes can't enter the small intestine
• What nutrients may be reduced due to cystic fibrosis?

  Glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids
• How does mucus affect nutrient absorption in the small intestine?

  Leads to ineffective absorption into the bloodstream
• What can mucus cause in the pancreas?

  Cysts that prevent enzyme production
• How does cystic fibrosis affect men’s reproductive system?

  Sperm can't leave the testes
• How does cystic fibrosis affect women’s reproductive system?

  Thickened cervical mucus prevents sperm reaching oviduct
• What is Fick's law related to?

  Diffusion across membranes
• What are the effects of cystic fibrosis on the respiratory system?

  • Higher chance of infection
  • Reduced gas exchange rate
  • Thick mucus accumulates in trachea/bronchioles
  • Blocks/reduces airflow to alveoli
  • Increases diffusion distance and reduces surface area
  • Causes breathing difficulties
• What are the effects of cystic fibrosis on the digestive and reproductive systems?

  • Blocked pancreatic duct prevents enzyme entry
  • Reduced digestion of key foods
  • Ineffective nutrient absorption in small intestine
  • Cysts can prevent enzyme production
  • In men: blocked sperm duct
  • In women: thickened cervical mucus prevents fertilization