Environmental Emergencies: Vocabulary

Question 1

Thermal Gradient

Answer 1

The difference in the temperature between the environment and the body.

Question 2

Thermogenisis

Answer 2

The production of heat, especially within the body.

Question 3

Conduction

Answer 3

Moving electrons, ions, heat, or sound waves through a conductor or conducting medium.

Question 4

Convection

Answer 4

Transfer of heat via currents in liquids or gases.

Question 5

Radiation

Answer 5

Transfer of energy through space or matter.

Question 6

Evaporation

Answer 6

Change from liquid to gaseous stated

Question 7

Respiration

Answer 7

The exchange of gases between a living organism and its environment.

Question 8

Thermoregulation

Answer 8

The maintenance or regulation of a particular temperature of the body

Question 9

Core Temperature

Answer 9

The body temperature of the deep tissues, which usually does not vary moe that na degree or so from its normal 37 C or 98.6 F.

Question 10

Hypothalmus

Answer 10

Portion of the diencephalon producing neurosecretions important in the control of certain metabolic activities, including body temperature regulation.

Question 11

Vasal Metabolic Rate

Answer 11

Rate at which the body consumes energy just to maintain stability; the basic metabolic rate (measured by the rate of oxygen consumption) of an awake, relaxed person 12-14 hours after eating and at a comfortable temperature.

Question 12

Exertional Metabolic Rate

Answer 12

Rate at which the body consumes energy during activity. It is faster than the basal metabolic rate.

Question 13

Heat Illness

Answer 13

Increased core body temperature due to inadequate thermolysis.

Question 14

Autonomic Neuropathy

Answer 14

Condition that damages the autonomic nervous system, which usually senses changes in core temperature and controls vasodilation and perspiration to dissipate heat.

Question 15

Acclimatization

Answer 15

The reversible changes in the body structure and function by which the body becomes adjusted to a change in environment.

Question 16

Pyrexia

Answer 16

Fever, or above normal body temperatures

Question 17

Pyrogen

Answer 17

Any substance causing a fever, such as viruses and bacteria or substances produced within the body in response to infection or inflammation.

Question 18

J wave

Answer 18

ECG deflection found at the junction of QR complex and the ST segment. It is associated with hypothermia and seen at core temperatures below 32 C, most commonly in leads II and V6 also called an Osborn wave.

Question 19

Frostbite-

What is it and how does it work?

Answer 19

Environmentally induced freezing of body tissues causing destruction of cells- water is drawn out of cells into extracellular space and forms ice crystals that expand to destroy cells-

Question 20

Superficial Frostbite/ Frostnip

Answer 20

Freezing involving only epidermal tissues resulting in redness followed by balancing and diminished sensation.

Question 21

Deep Frostbite

Answer 21

Freezing involving epidermal and subcutaneous tissues resulting in a white appearance, hard (frozen) feeling on palpation, and loss of sensation.

Question 22

Surfactant

Answer 22

A compound secreted by cells in the lungs that regulates the surface tension of the fluid that lines the alveoli, which his important in keeping the alveoli open for gas exchange.

Question 23

Mammalian Diving Reflex

Answer 23

A complex cardiovascular reflex; resulting from submersion of the face and nose in water, that constricts blood flow everywhere except to the brain.

Question 24

Boyl’s Law

Answer 24

The volume of gas is inversely proportional to the pressure if the temperature is kept constant. At sea level, air pressure is 760 mmHg. At 33 feet under the see, 1000 mL of air that was on the surface is now equivalent to 500 mL of water because of increase in pressure.

Question 25

Daltons Law

Answer 25

The total pressure of a mixture of gasses is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases. Percentage of gasses in air never changes due to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the percentage of oxygen at RA at sea level, and RA at the top of Everest is the same.

Question 26

Henry’s Law

Answer 26

The soda law. If pressure changes too rapidly (person coming rapidly to the surface of the ocean after a dive) the gases (especially nitrogen) that were dissolved in the blood, un-disolve and become gas bubbles in the blood.

Question 27

Nitrogen Narcosis

Answer 27

A state of stupor that develops during deep dives due to nitrogen’s effects on cerebral function; also called “raptures of the deep”- When people take unexpected risks.

Question 28

Decompression illness

Answer 28

Development of nitrogen bubbles within the tissues due to rapid reduction of air pressure when a diver returns to the surface; also called “the bends”

Question 29

Pulmonary Overpressure

Answer 29

Expansion of air held in the lungs during ascent. If not exhaled the expanded air may cause injury to the lungs and surrounding structures.

Question 30

Arterial Gas Embolism

Answer 30

An air bubble, or air embolism, that enters the circulatory system from a damaged lung.

Question 31

Pneumomediastinum

Answer 31

Presence of air in the mediastinum.