Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Development

Part I

Which of the tissues were you observing in the activity? 

The septal Tissues 

What makes this tissue particularly adapted to lung function?

The adaptability of the septal tissue is influenced by the size of the surface area in the lungs of individuals. A larger surface area implies that there is more septal tissue and hence an increased capability for gas exchange. Based on the results obtained from the experiment, it can be observed that exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke decreases the surface area for gas exchanged and as a result, there is reduced production of septal tissue. In the end, the lungs of such people end up having a reduced capability for the exchange of gases resulting in lung problems. 

In the lungs of smokers, a process called metaplasia occurs where the normal lining cells of the lung are replaced by metaplastic squamous cells (many layers of squamous epithelial cells).

Functionally, is this a desirable or an undesirable body reaction to tobacco smoke? Explain fully.

Physiologically, when metaplasia occurs such as that pertaining to the endocervix, it may be highly desirable. Such a reaction is desirable on one hand owing to the idea that when irritation occurs on the lungs as a result of chemical compounds such as those resulting from cigarette smoking the condition may develop to dysplasia (Ahmad et al., 2015). The latter component may later on progress into malignant neoplasia which is equivalent to cancer. In this case, in sites where an abnormal metaplasia is observed, various efforts are made in a bid to eliminate the component causing irritation. Based on this, it is evident that the process is valuable since further progression to other detrimental processes are indicative of the likelihood that the smoking individual will end up suffering from cancer, and therefore efforts can be made to stop this from occurring. 

Tissue engineering either replaces with synthetic materials or combines living cells with synthetic materials to create functional substitutes for human tissues. Identify a tissue for which a viable and functional tissue has been engineered: (a) epithelial (b) connective (c) muscle (d) nervous. Make sure to cite your sources. Which tissue type would be easiest to replace? Support your selection with evidence and citations.

From as early as 1918, connective tissue engineering has been a subject of contention ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). Initial attempts proved unsuccessful due to lack of understanding in biomedical components. Currently, it is arguably the easiest form of tissue replacement. Tissue engineering in the connective tissue has proved to be viable and effective. Compared to all the other examples it appears to be the easiest for medical experts to replace. For example, a ligament prosthesis has been developed from a composite composed of polyurethane matrix which has been secured with polyethylene terephthalate fibers ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). The anterior cruciate ligament appears to be one of the most commonly damaged connective tissues among individuals. This injury majorly occurs in the knee, hence the development of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). Reconstruction is done in order to induce longevity.

Many forms of tissue engineering in regards to prosthetics exist. One such example involves the carbon prosthesis. It is advantageous owing to the idea that it reduces and evenly distributes stress around the graft and soft tissue ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). The Gore-Tex prosthesis also enhances tensile strength. In addition to this, Dacron acts as a coating which ensures that the implant receives adequate protection from abrasion ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). Another example is the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament which is a form of scaffold that initiates soft tissue ingrowth. Tissue engineered scaffolds are also forms of connective tissues engineering. It ensures that normal kinematics pertaining to the knee functionality are reinstated in an injured individual ( Mascarenhas & MacDonald, 2008 ). 

PART II

Which of the following injuries has the potential for the worst outcome? 1) Bone on bone osteoarthritis of the knee 2) total rupture of all knee ligaments 3) comminuted compound fracture of the femur.

Bone on bone osteoarthritis of the knee has the potential of the worst outcome. It is more of an ailment than an injury. The second and third examples are avoidable but this first example occurs naturally. Besides, it can happen amongst individuals of all ages, although it is more common amongst the adult population; meaning that people above the age of 45 years are most prone to this kind of injury ( Vega et al., 2015 ). The disease occurs where the cushion between the knee joints of individuals wear off and the bones interlock causing unbearable pain or stiffness. Swellings are also likely to result from the same making it almost impossible for someone to move. The failure for shock absorbers to be present exerts stress on the area making it intolerable and in some cases, the condition is untreatable or some forms of medical interventions may end up failing in the long-run ( Vega et al., 2015 ). The injury can be treatable where surgery, exercise, and weight loss can be used while countering the effects resulting from the ailment. 

There are various risk factors associated with this kind of injury. One such factor is age whereby the chances of healing occurring on the cartilage decrease as an individual becomes older. Weight is also another factor whereby an increase in the calories in people`s bodies exerts additional pressure on the joints surrounding the knee ( Vega et al., 2015 ). The heredity of a person also plays a major role whereby mutations are likely to result into such complications. Besides, the shape of the bones surrounding the knee may act as a significant deterrent to an individual getting better. In addition to this, gender is an additional factor whereby the female individuals above 55years of age are more likely to develop the ailment compared to men ( Vega et al., 2015 ). The risk can also be induced by the kind of occupation that a person has. Repetitive kneeling and squatting at work in order for someone to lift a heavy object ends up causing stress on the knee joint. In addition to this, many of those who suffer from the ailments major in athletics whereby a great risk is posed on their knees ( Dieppe et al., 1993 ). In this case, however, it is possible for such people to evade such problems by engaging in different exercises. Further still, rheumatoid arthritis increases chances of an individual acquiring this form of illness ( Dieppe et al., 1993 ). 

References

Ahmad, J., Arthur, K., Maxwell, P., Kennedy, A., Johnston, B. T., Murray, L., & McManus, D. T. (2015). A cross-sectional study of p504s, CD133, and Twist expression in the esophageal metaplasia dysplasia adenocarcinoma sequence.  Diseases of the Esophagus ,  28 (3), 276-282.

Dieppe, P., Cushnaghan, J., Young, P., & Kirwan, J. (1993). Prediction of the progression of joint space narrowing in osteoarthritis of the knee by bone scintigraphy.  Annals of the rheumatic diseases ,  52 (8), 557.

Mascarenhas, R., & MacDonald, P. B. (2008). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a look at prosthetics-past, present, and possible future.  McGill Journal of Medicine: MJM ,  11 (1), 29.

Vega, A., Martín-Ferrero, M. A., Del Canto, F., Alberca, M., García, V., Munar, A., ... & Sánchez, A. (2015). Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a randomized controlled trial.  Transplantation ,  99 (8), 1681-1690.