ASSIGNMENT 3: Written assessment You will be presented with a case study and some pre-set data. Using this information and the prompting questions provided, you are to submit an essay to demonstrate...

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Risk of Heart attack and Zocor
Topic 1: Reproduction
David and his wife are keen to start a family but have had no success so far. Considering David’s blood test results, indicate whether there is need for further investigation. Your discussion should include the homeostatic regulation of male reproductive physiology and the relevant glands, cells, and hormones.
David’s blood tests suggest his testosterone levels to be 154 ng/dL and GnRH levels to be low. Testosterone and other hormones usually control the making up of the sperm. David’s testosterone levels are found to be on the lower side exhibiting their effect on sperm production. Also, David’s Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) levels are on the lower side. Lower hormone levels in David’s system can affect fertility by inhibiting the production of sperm and also reducing sex drive. The risk factors for David’s low hormone levels could be his age, increased weight, alcohol consumption, and diabetes (Dutta et al., 2019). Low levels of testosterone and GnRH cannot directly affect infertility but rather decreases sperm production. As a reason, investigations such as semen analysis, genetic testing, testicular biopsy’s, sperm functioning tests, Ultrasonography, etc. needs to be carried out for further confirmation.
The regulation of the male reproductive system is a complex process. The male testis is known to secrete two components, the sperm, and the testosterone. The synthesis of these components is regulated by the hormones of the endocrine system. These hormones are released from the pituitary, hypothalamus, and within the testis. Hypothalamus and pituitary produce GnRH and other gonadotrophins through the conserved regulatory pathways. GnRH controls the biosynthesis and release of gonadotropins whereas Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) aid in the regulation of the development and functioning of the testis (Matzuk & Lamb., 2008). LH also assists in the production of testosterone by Leydig cells and also stimulates spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Further FSH along with testosterone also promotes sperm production. Homeostatic regulation of David’s reproductive system is mainly by negative the feedback system through the action of hormones of testicles at the endocrine glands to attune the production of GnRH and gonadotropins, respectively (Bu et al., 2017).
Topic 2: Respiratory system
David is late for work and the lift is broken; he must run up six flights of stairs to make it on time. Describe the gas exchange occurring between David’s blood and the skeletal muscles in his legs. Discuss how the rate of gas exchange was affected during the run up the stairs (i.e., during exercise).
Gas exchange between David’s blood and the skeletal muscles takes place through diffusion. The skeletal muscles represent elevated carbon dioxide concentration whereas the bloodstream represents elevated oxygen concentration. There will be a diffusion of oxygen from the bloodstream to...