dynamics of breathing

Question 1

what are the factors determining resistance

Answer 1

lung volume and branching

bronchiolar smooth muscle tone

density and viscosity of gases
- affected by altitude and important consideration in artificial environments

Question 2

what is laminar flow

Answer 2

a function of gas viscosity but turbulent flow depends on gas density

Question 3

where is the smooth muscle on the bronchiole

Answer 3

lines upper airway

Question 4

what changes the bronchilar smooth muscle radium

Answer 4

aterations in tone

Question 5

how does the tube radius of bronchiole decrease

Answer 5

• by muscular contraction through parasympathetic activity using acetylcholine
• irritants (smoke, allergens) and decrease in alveolar pressure also decrease radius by muscle contraction

Question 6

how can the tube radius increase

Answer 6

by muscular relaxation through sympathetic activity using noradrenaline

asthma patients can take adrenaline and salbutamol to increase radius

Question 7

what can allergic inflammation of airways lead to

Answer 7

hyperreactivity of airway smooth muscle contraction

bronchial smooth muscle thickening

Question 8

describe the relationship between airway generation and resistance