TED-Ed: How high altitude affects your body | Andrew Lovering

The video explores the physiological effects of high altitude on the human body, focusing on the challenges faced when ascending to the summit of Mount Everest. It explains how rapid altitude changes can lead to oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness, such as AMS. The body adapts through short-term responses like increased breathing and heart rate, and long-term acclimatization involving hemoglobin concentration changes. Despite these adaptations, high altitudes pose risks like HACE and HAPE. Genetic factors in some populations offer advantages, but climbers continue to push human limits.

What happens to the oxygen levels when someone is teleported from sea level to the top of Mount Everest?

• Oxygen levels fluctuate unpredictably.

• Oxygen levels decrease significantly.

• Oxygen levels remain the same.

• Oxygen levels increase significantly.

What is the primary cause of altitude sickness known as AMS?

• Dehydration

• Rapid ascent to high altitudes

• Lack of physical fitness

• Excessive oxygen intake

How does the body adapt to high altitudes over several weeks?

• By increasing plasma volume

• By reducing heart rate

• By decreasing hemoglobin levels

• By increasing hemoglobin concentration

What is ventilatory acclimatization?

• A complete cessation of breathing

• A stabilization of breathing rate

• An increase in breathing rate

• A decrease in breathing rate

What are HACE and HAPE, and why are they dangerous?

• They are common colds that are easily treatable.

• They are conditions caused by low oxygen, leading to fluid buildup in the brain and lungs.

• They are genetic conditions that only affect certain populations.

• They are minor altitude sicknesses with no serious effects.