EFFECTS OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA ON THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The circulatory system is where the first symptoms of sickle cell anemia occur. The red blood cells that are carried in the blood are the victims of SCA. The mutated hemoglobin gene causes the red blood cells to become sickled. In the figure below, a normal healthy red blood cell is shown with a mutated sickle red blood cell.
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The shape of the sickled red blood cell make sit harder for blood to circulate fluidly. This results in the decreased blood flow throughout all of the body. This causes the body parts farthest away from the body, such as the hands and feet, to become cold. Blot clots often occur due to blockage of the veins and arteries, causing severe acute pain known as a crise. All people with sickle cell anemia experience a crise at least one time in their lives. Also, the red blood cell's decreased ability to carry oxygen means that the organs and muscles get less oxygen. Prolonged exposure to inadequate levels of oxygen can result in permanent damage to the muscles and organs. SCA causes the circulatory system to be less efficient, hindering its ability to properly carry oxygen around the body.
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|Brian Oh|Biology 2|Final Project|5/30/2013|