Study Guide Unit 2 Biomed

How do frequency and amplitude affect how humans interpret sound?

Frequency affects pitch; amplitude affects loudness.

What causes conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is due to a malformation in the ear's structure.

What characterizes sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear and the auditory nerve.

What diagnostic tests are used for hearing loss?

Tuning fork evaluation and audiometer tests are used to diagnose hearing loss.

What interventions are available for patients with hearing loss?

Hearing aids and cochlear implants.

What is a key bioethical concern regarding cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants can eliminate the potential for natural hearing and patients may not be able to decide for themselves at a young age.

What is the function of the pinna in the ear?

The pinna collects and funnels sound waves into the auditory canal.

What are the components of the middle ear?

The middle ear includes the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and three ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes).

What is the purpose of cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants convert sound waves into electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.

What does an audiogram represent?

An audiogram is a graphic representation of the relationship between vibration frequency and minimum sound intensity for hearing.

What is conductive hearing loss?

Hearing loss resulting from interference with sound wave transmission to the cochlea.

What is the role of the auditory nerve?

The auditory nerve carries nerve impulses from the inner ear to the brain.

How does sound travel through the ear?

Sound first travels through air conduction, then solid conduction in the middle ear, liquid conduction in the cochlea, before converting to electrochemical signals.

Which part of the ear is primarily affected in sensorineural hearing loss?

The inner ear and the auditory nerve.

What types of vaccines use live attenuated pathogens?

Live attenuated vaccines use weakened forms of a pathogen.

What do restriction enzymes do in recombinant DNA technology?

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences to allow for gene insertion.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is the resistance of a group to disease due to a sufficient proportion of the group being immune.

Why is vaccination important for public health?

Vaccination reduces the incidence of infectious diseases, leading to lower illness rates and hospitalizations.

What must be done to a plasmid and DNA segment to be inserted into it?

They must be cut with the same restriction enzyme to create compatible sticky ends.

What happens to the data points on an audiogram as hearing worsens?

Data points shift downward, indicating higher dB levels.

What ethical consideration is crucial during vaccine testing?

Ensuring informed consent and the safety of trial participants.