Unit 9 Assignment 1

Words: 568
Pages: 3

Unit 9 assignment 1

An assessment and explanation of how the coordination and normal functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems can be impaired by two specific neurological diseases.

Two neurological diseases that can affect the respiratory and cardiovascular system are, multiple sclerosis (MS) and also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Below I will go into detail about how these diseases affect the body.

In ALS the deterioration of motor neurons ultimately leads to muscle weakness and atrophy throughout the whole body, this weakness also affects the muscles that are involved in breathing, these include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. When ALS progresses, these muscles become more and more affected, which ultimately leads to respiratory insufficiency. These weakened respiratory muscles result in a multitude of different issues, these include; a decreased lung capacity, difficulty coughing and also the insufficient clearance of mucus from airways. Overall, ALS affects the respiratory system as it stops the body from breathing efficiently.

In addition to affecting the respiratory system, ALS also has an effect on the cardiovascular system, although ALS primarily affects the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system can face secondary effects.