2.39 understand the biological consequences of smoking in relation to the lungs and the circulatory system, including coronary heart disease

2.39 •smoking can cause damage to the lungs, heart and circulatory system 

                  •smoking damages the walls of the alveoli, reducing surface area for gas

exchange, leading to emphysema

        

        •tar damages the cilia (tiny hairs) in your trachea and lungs 

                   •the hairs and mucus catch dust and bacteria before they reach the lungs

                             •the cilia keep the trachea clear by sweeping mucus back to the mouth

                                       •when damaged, chest infections become more likely

                

     

          •carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen the blood carry 

                    •the heart rate increases, increasing blood pressure 

                              •high blood pressure damages the artery walls, increasing chance of blood clots

                                         •this increases the risk of coronary heart disease

          •tar irritates the bronchi, bronchioles, encouraging mucus to be produced, which can’t be cleared by the damaged cilia 

                    •this causes smoker’s cough and chronic bronchitis 

          •tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, which can lead to cancer