Table of Contents
What body systems are affected by smoking?
The Effects of Smoking on the Body
- Central nervous system. One of the ingredients in tobacco is a mood-altering drug called nicotine.
- Respiratory system.
- Cardiovascular system.
- Integumentary system (skin, hair, and nails)
- Digestive system.
- Sexuality and reproductive system.
- Takeaway.
Does smoking affect the nervous system?
Nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant to the central nervous system. Nicotine first causes a release of the hormone epinephrine, which further stimulates the nervous system and is responsible for part of the “kick” from nicotine-the drug-induced feelings of pleasure and, over time, addiction.
How does smoking affect the excretory system?
Smoking causes harmful chemicals and drugs to collect in the urine. These chemicals affect the lining of the bladder and raise your bladder cancer risk.
How smoking affects the respiratory system?
The effects of tobacco smoke on the respiratory system include: irritation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box) reduced lung function and breathlessness due to swelling and narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lung passages.
How does smoking cause vasoconstriction?
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those in the skin and coronary blood vessels, but dilates blood vessels in skeletal muscle. Vasoconstriction of the skin results in reduced skin blood flow and reduced fingertip skin temperature.
How does smoking affect the skeletal system?
The nicotine in cigarettes slows the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) so that they make less bone. Smoking decreases the absorption of calcium from the diet. Calcium is necessary for bone mineralization, and with less bone mineral, smokers develop fragile bones (osteoporosis).