Would this be true for an astronaut in orbit?
2006-11-02 06:41:27 · 9 answers · asked by whoknows 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Normally the systolic pressure in the legs is upto 20 mmHg higher than in the arms, but the diastolic pressures are virtually identical.
To be able to explore and work in space, humans have to take their environment with them because there is no atmosphere to supply the pressure and oxygen necessary to support life. Without sufficient atmospheric pressure, body fluids will start to heat up and boil. Without oxygen, we would be unable to breathe.
The parts of a spacesuit
Spacesuits serve many functions. Today's spacesuits are pressurized, have an oxygen supply, protect the astronaut from micrometeoroid bombardment while spacewalking, and insulate the astronaut from the severe temperature changes experienced in space. The Space Shuttle astronauts have more than one "outfit" for space travel. What they wear while on a mission is determined by the job they are doing. During the launch and re-entry, the astronauts wear a partially pressurized suit and a parachute pack. The suit has a helmet, gloves, and boots which all serve as protection for the astronaut. Within the suit are bladders that automatically fill with air at reduced cabin pressures. At low pressure, the blood will pool in the lower body causing the astronaut to black out. The bladders maintain the pressure on the lower body to prevent this from happening. While working in the Shuttle during orbit, astronauts work in comfortable clothes such as knit shirts, pants, or flight suits. In addition, prior to each mission, flight crews are outfitted with lined jackets, sleep shorts, slippers, and underwear.
While working outside of the Shuttle during a mission, astronauts wear an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). This suit has interchangeable parts so it can be assembled to fit different astronauts. This makes the suit more cost effective since it can be reused. The EMU has a liquid cooling garment, which is a one piece suit made of spandex, and keeps the astronaut cool while in the suit. The unit also contains headphones and microphones, a drink bag which carries water, a life support system containing oxygen, and a urine collection device. Gloves are included with the unit along with a helmet and a visor. All of this is necessary to protect the astronaut from micrometeoroids, solar radiation, infrared radiation, temperature changes, pressure changes, and oxygen deprivation.
2006-11-02 08:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by Littlebigdog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, the blood pressure is higher in your legs because gravity is pulling your blood down. Since an astronaut would experience no gravity (because they are in orbit, or a constant free fall) there would be nothing to pull the blood towards their legs to increase the pressure there compared to their upper body.
2006-11-02 06:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not true. The human body is put together in such a way as to have checks and balances for most normal conditions of activities. Special little valves and muscles all over your blood vessels are used to control the blood pressure throughout your veins and arteries to more or less maintain the same blood pressure throughout the system with a nerve feedback system that no current computer system can simulate.
2016-03-19 02:51:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overall Pressure is equal, however you could consider that the volume of blood is greater in the lower extremedies while standing b/c of the effect of gravity
And since there is relatively no gravity in space, no blood would pool in an astronauts legs....and just for the hell of it, they can't burp either, b/c there is no gravity to seperate the gas from liquid in the stomach
2006-11-02 06:46:40 · answer #4 · answered by ĞĦΘsŦŖiĐęŖ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but as the previous user said, its due to the gravity pulling the blood to the lowest parts of the body which are of course more pronounced when you stand.
This force can also be duplicated by g-forces as we see in fighter pilots, and such. Hence the need for the G-suit which pumps up and squeezes the lower extremities while in a high g situation.
2006-11-02 06:46:08 · answer #5 · answered by Jonny B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not true in either case. Your "bodies" blood pressure may change if you are standing vs laying down, but it will never be stronger in one part of the body then the other as only the single heart creates the circulation & the pressure is the amount of force needed to circulate it.
2006-11-02 06:48:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. gravity on earth causes the increase of blood pressure in your legs when you stand. there is no gravity in space.
2006-11-02 06:44:55 · answer #7 · answered by yonitan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The effect is caused by gravity. An astronaut in orbit is in a zero-gravity environment.
2006-11-02 06:45:02 · answer #8 · answered by AnswerMan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, blood only pools due to gravity
2006-11-02 06:43:28 · answer #9 · answered by laura w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt think so because there is no gravity and there is no wieght or preasure
2006-11-02 06:45:37 · answer #10 · answered by bamf1494 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋