Anatomy & Physiology for Laser Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Anatomy & Physiology for Laser Therapy flashcards as text
Which cellular organelle is considered the primary photoacceptor for low-level laser therapy at the mitochondrial level?
Answer: Cytochrome c oxidase
Cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) in the mitochondrial respiratory chain absorbs red and near-infrared photons, initiating the photobiomodulation cascade.
What is the approximate depth of the papillary dermis, which plays a role in superficial vascular laser treatments?
Answer: 0.1–0.3 mm
The papillary dermis lies just beneath the epidermis at approximately 0.1–0.3 mm depth and contains the capillary loops targeted in vascular laser therapy.
Which blood vessel type in the skin forms the primary target for laser treatment of port wine stains?
Answer: Ectatic capillaries and postcapillary venules
Port wine stains consist of ectatic capillaries and postcapillary venules whose oxyhemoglobin selectively absorbs laser wavelengths around 577–585 nm.
The stratum basale of the epidermis is significant in laser therapy because it contains:
Answer: Melanocytes and basal keratinocytes undergoing mitosis
The stratum basale houses dividing keratinocytes and melanocytes, making it a critical layer to monitor for thermal damage during pigment-targeting laser procedures.
Which physiological process describes ATP production stimulated by laser photobiomodulation?
Answer: Oxidative phosphorylation enhancement via cytochrome c oxidase activation
Laser light activates cytochrome c oxidase, boosting oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis in the mitochondria of irradiated cells.
In laser therapy for tendons, which structural protein is primarily being targeted for photobiomodulation-enhanced synthesis?
Answer: Type I collagen
Tendons are predominantly composed of Type I collagen, and laser photobiomodulation stimulates fibroblasts to increase Type I collagen synthesis for tendon repair.
What is the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the physiological effects of laser therapy on blood vessels?
Answer: It promotes vasodilation and increased local circulation
Laser therapy stimulates nitric oxide release from endothelial cells, causing vasodilation and improved microcirculation in treated tissues.