High Altitudes

By: Taylor Fregeau

ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS

• Climate ranges from hot days to freezing nights

• Lack of oxygen• Low humidity – results in dehydration

• Violent winds• Low air pressure• 5-20 feet of snow

Effects on Muscular System

• Lack of oxygen to muscles causes major decrease in energy

tasks become much more difficult and the body moves much slower because the muscles have to work harder

How does this system adapt?

• Increase in vascular network of muscles to enhance the transfer of gases

Effects on Circulatory/Cardiovascular System

• Shortness of breath• Low air pressure• Lack of oxygenHow does this system adapt?• Increase in heart rate to get more oxygen to cells• Blood pressure increases• Creates more red blood cells for more oxygen• Produces more hemoglobin in blood to increase

lung expansion capability

Effects on Respiratory System

• Extreme oxygen deprivation• Low air pressureHow does this system adapt?• Increase in breathing rate to

make the lungs work harder• Increase in blood pressure• Lungs physically increase in

size

What Special Clothing or Equipment is Needed?

You sh ou ld br in g:• Wal ki ng boots with gr ips

• Wa rm jac kets w ith i nsu la ti on• Rai npr oof coa ts

• Thi ck wool shi rts an d sw ea ter s• Th er ma l long un der wear

• Long pa nts a nd sh ir ts to avoid su nbu rn• Wool h at , gloves, a nd sock s

• Oxy gen tan k s• Lay er ed clothin g

• Lots of w ater