The Agawam High School band is playing some lively marches while the coaches are giving pep talks to their respective football s
quads. Although it is September, it is unseasonably hot (88ºF/31ºC) and the band uniforms are wool. Suddenly, Harry the tuba player becomes light-headed and fainted. Explain what happened.
The heat caused his cutaneous blood vessels to dilate, which increased the blood volume in his legs. The increase of blood volume in the legs creates a decrease in blood flow which causes a decrease in blood pressure. The light-headed and fainting are due to the brain was not receiving enough blood flow.
Lordosis is normal for the neck and lower back. Kyphosis, on the other hand, is only normal for the upper and mid-back. In double or “S-shaped” scoliosis, the spine bends and twists simultaneously.