Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

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3:04 minutes

Problem 22

Textbook Question

Mrs. Garson has an immune disorder that causes dry mouth, and she complains to her doctor that she's lost her sense of taste. How might her symptoms be explained?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of saliva in taste perception: Saliva is essential for dissolving food particles and allowing them to interact with taste buds. Without adequate saliva production, food particles may not reach the taste receptors effectively, leading to a diminished sense of taste.

Identify the connection between dry mouth and immune disorders: Many immune disorders, such as Sjögren's syndrome, can cause dry mouth (xerostomia) by affecting the salivary glands. Reduced saliva production is a common symptom in such conditions.

Explain the physiological impact of dry mouth on taste buds: Taste buds are located on the tongue and other areas of the oral cavity. They rely on saliva to transport dissolved food molecules to the taste receptors. Without sufficient saliva, the taste buds cannot function optimally, leading to a loss of taste sensation.

Discuss the potential nerve involvement: Immune disorders can sometimes affect cranial nerves, such as the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) or glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), which are involved in taste perception. Damage or inflammation of these nerves may further contribute to the loss of taste.

Suggest the importance of addressing dry mouth: Managing dry mouth through hydration, saliva substitutes, or medications can help improve taste perception. Additionally, treating the underlying immune disorder may alleviate both dry mouth and taste loss symptoms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Immune Disorders

Immune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions, leading to an inappropriate response to the body's own tissues or an inability to fight off infections. Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome can cause symptoms such as dry mouth and affect taste perception due to damage to salivary glands and taste buds.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition characterized by reduced saliva production. Saliva is essential for taste perception as it helps dissolve food substances, allowing taste buds to detect flavors. A lack of saliva can lead to difficulties in tasting food and may also contribute to oral health issues.

Taste Perception

Taste perception involves the ability to detect and interpret flavors through taste buds located on the tongue. This process is influenced by several factors, including saliva presence, the health of taste buds, and the overall functioning of the nervous system. Disruptions in any of these areas can lead to altered or diminished taste sensations.