What does cystic fibrosis primarily affect?

What does cystic fibrosis primarily affect?

• A. Throat and voice
• B. Lungs and gastrointestinal tract
• C. Nerves and brain
• D. Muscles and joints

Answer: (B)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract due to the buildup of thick, sticky mucus. In the lungs, this mucus obstructs airways, leading to breathing difficulties, chronic lung infections, and reduced lung function. In the gastrointestinal system, the thick mucus can block pancreatic ducts, impairing the digestion of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal complications. This disorder is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for regulating the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. As a result, the dysfunction of this gene has ramifications primarily for the respiratory and digestive systems. While cystic fibrosis can have secondary effects on other parts of the body over time, its primary impact remains within the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract due to the buildup of thick, sticky mucus. In the lungs, this mucus obstructs airways, leading to breathing difficulties, chronic lung infections, and reduced lung function. In the gastrointestinal system, the thick mucus can block pancreatic ducts, impairing the digestion of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal complications.

This disorder is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for regulating the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. As a result, the dysfunction of this gene has ramifications primarily for the respiratory and digestive systems. While cystic fibrosis can have secondary effects on other parts of the body over time, its primary impact remains within the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.