Case 5 Flashcards
Fill in the boxes for the size of particles associated with each part of the respiratory tract.
Upper: 2.5 - 10um
Lower: 0.1 - 2.5um
Distal: <0.1um
Where are the two respiratory rhythm generators found?
One in the pre-Boetzinger complex.
One in the retrotrapezoid nucleus / parafacial respiratory group.
What is the pre-Bötzinger complex? Where is it found?
Found in the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) on the venterolateral surface of the medulla.
It initiates spontaneous breathing.
What four cell groups make up the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG)?
nucleus retrofacialis
nucleus retroambiguus
nucleus para-ambiguus
pre-Bötzinger complex.
What type of neurones deoes the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) contain? What is its function?
It contains inspiratory and expiratory neurons.
The VRG is secondarily responsible for initiation of inspiratory activity (dorsal group is mainly responsible).
Where is the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) located? What is its function?
Located in the dorsomedial region of the medulla. Primarily responsible for the generation of inspiration - only contains inspiratory neurones.
What is the DRG stimulated via?
It is stimulated via the apneustic center in the lower pons.
This is responsible for modifying responses to sensory information received from chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors.
What is the DRG inhibited by?
Pneumotaxic center.
What is the function of the Pneumotaxic center (aka. pontine respiratory group (PRG))?
It antagonizes the apneustic center –> inhibits inspiration.
The PRG limits the action potentials in the phrenic nerve, decreasing the respiratory rate.
What happens when neurons DRG fire? (include phrenic nerve, diaphragm etc)
Impulses travel down the phrenic and intercostal nerves.
This stimulates the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles to contract.
Volume of the thorax expands and air moves into the lungs due to the negative pressure, producing inspiration.
What happens when neurons in the DRG stop firing?
Inspiratory muscles and diaphgram relax.
Inspiration stops –> expiration begins.
Which box represents
Restrictive lung disease?
Obstructive lung disease?
What would the ratio of V/Q be for each?
Restrictive –> Lowered FEV1 and FVC.
Ratio: >0.7
Obstructive –> Lowered FEV1, FVC normal/reduced.
Ratio: <0.7
What areas are represented in the green boxes?
(Hint: located in the pons - recieve information from higher centres e.g. cerebral hemispheres, hypothalamus)
What areas are represented in the blue boxes?
(Hint: found in the medulla)
Green - apneustic and pneumotaxic areas.
Blue - expiratory and inspiratory centres.
(DRG and VRG)
What is equation for calculating a pack year?
Number of pack-years =
(packs smoked per day) × (years as a smoker)
OR:
(number of cigs smoked / 20) x (years as a smoker)
e.g. 1 pack-year =
smoking 20 cigarettes (1 pack) x 1 year
Calculate the pack year for a person who has smoked 15 cigarettes a day for 40 years.
15 cigarettes = 3/4 pack.
Pack years = 0.75 x 40 = 30 pack years.