2.1 - The Effects of CF on the Lungs Flashcards
What tube is responsible for allowing air to be drawn into the lungs?
The Trachea
What are the bronchi?
The trachea divides into two bronchi, carrying air to and from each lung
What are the narrow tubes that make up most of the lung network called?
Bronchioles
What is the site of gaseous exchange?
The Alveoli
What produces mucus?
Goblet cells in the walls of the airways
What is the function of mucus?
To trap any dust, debris or microorganisms in the airways.
How is mucus removed?
By the wave-like beating of cilia
Where are cilia found?
They cover the epithelial cells, which line the tubes of the gas exchange system
What is different about CF mucus?
It contains less water than usual, meaning it is sticky
What is wrong with having sticky mucus?
It makes it very difficult for it to be removed by the cilia.
What are the two major health problems caused by having sticky mucus?
- Increases chances of lung infection
- Makes gas exchange less efficient
What holds the epithelial lining cells in position in the airways?
Basement membrane
Where are epithelial cells found?
They line cavities and tubes and cover the surface of organs.
What is the tissue called that is made up of epithelial cells?
Epithelium
What is the basement membrane made of?
Protein fibres in a carbohydrate matrix
What is the membrane surface of an epithelial cell called that touches the basement membrane?
The Basal membrane
What is the membrane surface of an epithelial cell called that faces away from the basement layer?
The apical membrane
What is the epithelium called in the walls of alveoli and capillaries?
Squamous (or pavement) epithelium
In which direction does the apical membrane face in capillaries?
Towards the lumen
What are epithelial cells called in the small intestine?
They extend further out from the basement membrane and are columnar epithelium
What is the surface of columnar epithelium in the small intestine like?
It has microvilli to increase surface area
What kind of epithelium lines the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles?
Pseudostratified ciliated epithelial cells
Why does there appear to be more than one layer of epithelium in the airways?
Some of the cells have nuclei in different locations
How do we remove pathogens from the body?
Cilia move pathogens within the mucus to the back of the throat, where they are either coughed out or swallowed and killed by stomach acid
