General Physiology of Alcohol
What is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body?
The liver
What part of the brain is primarily affected by alcohol, leading to impaired judgment and coordination?
The frontal lobe
Which liver condition is commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption, leading to fat accumulation in liver cells?
Fatty liver disease
What is the primary short-term effect of alcohol on the body’s cardiovascular system?
Alcohol causes vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.
Chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of which type of cancer, particularly in the mouth and throat?
Oral cancer
How long does it typically take for the body to process one standard drink of alcohol?
About one hour
Alcohol has a sedative effect on which neurotransmitter, leading to relaxation and drowsiness?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
What is the most severe liver condition caused by long-term alcohol abuse, characterized by scarring and permanent liver damage?
Cirrhosis
How does alcohol impact your ability to balance and coordinate movements in the short term?
Alcohol depresses the cerebellum, impairing motor control and coordination.
What is the condition called when a person has developed a tolerance to alcohol, requiring more to achieve the same effect?
Alcohol tolerance
What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in most states in the U.S.?
0.08%
What neurotransmitter does alcohol affect that can lead to the feeling of pleasure or euphoria?
Dopamine
What is the term for liver inflammation caused by chronic alcohol use?
Alcoholic hepatitis
Why does alcohol cause dehydration and hangovers the next day?
Alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids through increased urination.
Chronic heavy drinking can lead to damage in which organ, responsible for filtering toxins and producing bile?
The liver
What is ethanol, and how does it affect the body when consumed?
Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, and it depresses the central nervous system.
How does alcohol contribute to memory blackouts or amnesia?
Alcohol impairs the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation.
Which substance is produced when alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and can be toxic in large amounts?
Acetaldehyde
What are the immediate effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal system?
Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux
How does long-term alcohol use contribute to cognitive decline and memory loss?
Alcohol damages brain cells and disrupts neurotransmitter function, leading to problems with memory and thinking.
Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the liver?
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)
Chronic alcohol use can lead to damage in which area of the brain, affecting motor control and cognition?
The cerebellum
How does alcohol consumption affect liver function over time?
It can overwhelm the liver's ability to process toxins, leading to liver damage and disease.
What is the “hangover,” and why does it happen after drinking alcohol?
A hangover is a collection of symptoms like headache, fatigue, and nausea, caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and the toxic effects of alcohol.
What is alcohol use disorder (AUD), and what are the physical effects of chronic alcoholism?
AUD is a condition characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption, leading to negative consequences. Negative health effects included: liver damage, neurological impairments, and other health complications.