2024.07.06-Space Medicine_Stern
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the initial medical evaluation questionnaire for professional pilots?

  • To check for potential health problems (correct)
  • To assess the pilot's technical knowledge
  • To determine the candidate's flight training experience
  • To evaluate the pilot's cognitive skills
  • During the physical evaluation for pilots, which of the following tests is NOT typically performed?

  • Psychological assessment (correct)
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Tilt table testing
  • What is a common concern checked in the medical evaluation questionnaire?

  • Previous experience in military aviation
  • History of decompression sickness (correct)
  • Level of education
  • Years of flight experience
  • What is the maximum interval for re-evaluation of pilots under 40 years of age following EASA Class 2 regulations?

    <p>5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors will not influence the medical evaluation process for pilots?

    <p>Dietary preferences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the preflight evaluation process?

    <p>Basic physical examination and resting ECG</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often must pilots aged 40-50 years undergo re-evaluation according to EASA Class 2 guidelines?

    <p>2 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about EASA's role in suborbital flights is true?

    <p>EASA's mandate does not cover space activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant aspect of the medical evaluation process that poses a challenge for examiners?

    <p>Interpreting medication interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended waiting period for a preflight evaluation before take-off?

    <p>7 to 14 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological change occurs due to fluid shift in microgravity?

    <p>Shift of fluid from lower to upper body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical duration for symptoms of Space Adaptation Syndrome to last?

    <p>2-3 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of muscle loss is observed in astronauts during long-term missions?

    <p>40-50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main risk associated with radiation exposure during space missions?

    <p>Increased risk of cancer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of astronauts experience Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure Syndrome after lengthy missions?

    <p>40%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following changes are NOT part of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome?

    <p>Ocular pressure reduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does bone loss occur in microgravity?

    <p>Due to a lack of physical stress on bones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of physical activity is recommended to mitigate muscle loss during space missions?

    <p>2.5 hours of sport activities per day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might high bone resorption lead to in astronauts?

    <p>Formation of renal stones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which physical condition can develop due to acute radiation exposure?

    <p>Death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body

    • Fluid shifts lead to a movement of up to 2.0 liters from lower to upper body, reducing blood volume and causing nasal/throat mucosal swelling.
    • Two-thirds of astronauts experience Space Adaptation Syndrome, characterized by headache, nausea, and dizziness; over one-third may vomit, lasting 2-3 days.
    • Muscle atrophy occurs in legs and back, with 10-20% loss in short-term missions and 40-50% in long-term missions; heart muscles also affected.
    • Bone density reduces by 1-2% monthly in microgravity, often leading to bone loss not entirely reversible post-mission; rebuilding can take up to 24 months.
    • Bone resorption releases calcium, potentially causing renal stones due to increased calcium in kidney excretion.
    • Acute radiation exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, and even death; long-term effects include cataracts, infertility, and cancer, impacting sickness and performance.

    Radiation Measurements

    • Crew members carry passive dosimeters for radiation detection throughout missions.
    • Matroshka: a mannequin designed with human-like bones for measuring radiation doses within the ISS, with over 800 detector positions.
    • AstroRad vest uses materials mimicking the human body's response to radiation for precise measurement in sensitive organs.

    Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)

    • Notable vision changes in astronauts include a mix of improved and reduced vision; first documented case of visual changes post long-duration flight occurred in 2008.
    • Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) Syndrome identified in approximately 40% of astronauts returning from missions over six months.
    • Symptoms include posterior globe flattening, hyperopic shift, optic disc edema, and reduced visual acuity.

    Health Risks and Medical Evaluation in Spaceflight

    • Medical evaluation for commercial spaceflight includes assessing risks from acceleration, weightlessness, hypoxia, and psychological stress.
    • Initial evaluation involves a questionnaire to identify potential health risks; physical exams include laboratory tests, ECG, and pulmonary function tests.
    • Re-evaluation timelines differ by age, with shorter intervals for older participants.
    • Preflight evaluations conducted 7-14 days prior ensure no significant health changes have occurred.

    Regulatory Framework for Suborbital Flights in Europe

    • No legal distinction between air and space activities exists, resulting in complexity in regulatory oversight by ESA and EASA.
    • EASA lacks jurisdiction over space activities; Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) are issued by member states with EASA overseeing compliance.
    • The FAA regulates and issues licenses, shifting operational responsibility to the operators, resulting in potential liability challenges in Europe.

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    Description

    Explore the various effects of microgravity on the human body in this quiz on space medicine. Learn about fluid shifts, Space Adaptation Syndrome, muscle atrophy, and other physiological changes experienced by astronauts. Test your knowledge on how space conditions affect health and performance.

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