Tom Loves to Soak in Hot Tubs and Whirlpools

question 55

Essay

Tom loves to soak in hot tubs and whirlpools. One day at a friend's house, he decides to raise the temperature in the hot tub as high as he could tolerate. After a few minutes in the very warm water, he feels faint, passes out, and nearly drowns. Luckily, his friend saves him. Explain what happened physiologically.

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Definitions:

Prolonged Stress

A state of continuous stress exposure over a lengthy period, potentially leading to adverse health effects, including psychological and physical problems.

Antigens

Substances that the body recognizes as foreign and that can elicit an immune response.

Pathogens

Microorganisms or agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that cause disease.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that is most active during processes that spend body energy from stored reserves, such as in a fight-or-flight reaction to a predator or when you are anxious about a big test.