Lesson 9: Lung diseases

Question 1

What does emphysema do to the alveoli?

Answer 1

Emphysema causes the walls of air sacs to break down. This carries less oxygen in the blood which is why people with emphysema find exercise extremely difficult.

Question 2

What is bronchitis and what causes it?

Answer 2

• Bronchitis is caused by a build-up of mucus because certain substances in smoke damage epithelial cells.

ciliated epithelial cells

On trachea, bronchi, bronchioles.

Question 3

What does carbon monoxide do?

Answer 3

• Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Reduces ability to carry oxygen.
• Puts strain on the circulatory system –> coronary heart disease.

Question 4

What does tar do?

Answer 4

• Tar is a carcinogen that causes cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus.