LO2 Flashcards
What is the respiratory system
Is the network of organs and tissues that help you breathe. By taking in/absorbing oxygen and where has exchange takes place
Name the 8 parts of the respiratory system
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Diaphragm
Intercostal muscles
Pleural membrane
Larynx function
Also known as voice box, connecting the back of the nose and trachea. To create an air passage to the lungs
Trachea function
Also known as windpipe. Starts at the pharynx (throat) then leads to bronchi.
The trachea is a tube like structure transporting air to the lungs
Bronchi function
Two large tubes connected to the trachea, dividing the air into the lungs.
Has rings of cartilage to prevent from collapsing
Bronchioles function
Bronchi leads onto bronchioles, these are smaller, and deliver air to the alveoli
Alveoli function
Microscopic air sacs found in clusters at the end of bronchioles. Each alveolus is surrounded by network of capillaries where gas exchange takes place
Diaphragm function
Muscle anchored to lower ribs, separating chest from the abdomen
Intercostal muscles function
Muscles found between ribs, to help the chest cavity fall and rise
Pleural membrane function
Covers the outside of lungs and inside of chest cavity. Essential for respiration as it acts as a lubricant needed to inhale/exhale, reducing the friction when lungs expand/contract
Define/explain inspiration
Inspiration is respiratory system delivering O2 into body by breathing
Intercostal muscles pull rib cage up/out
Diaphragm flattens inwards
Increase in volume
Decrease in pressure
=air inflating lungs
Define/explain expiration
Expiration removes the waste CO2 by breathing out
Intercostal muscles pull rib cage down/inwards
Diaphragm lifts up into dome shape
Decrease in volume
Increase in pressure
=CO2 forced out of lungs as they deflate
Define gaseous exchange
Process involving the exchange of O2 and CO2 between capillaries and alveoli
Explain the adaptation of the alveoli walls/structure
Alveoli walls only one cell thick for short diffusion path
Clusters of alveoli to increase SA and rate of diffusion
Every alveoli has a network of capillaries to maximise the diffusion rate/ rate of gaseous exchange
Define cellular respiration
A set of chemical reactions/processes taking place in the mitochondria to convert biochemical energy (nutrients) into ATP and release the waste products
Define/name ATP
Adenosine triphosphate
High energy molecule found in every cell. It’s job to store/supply the cell with the energy it needs
Explain aerobic respiration (equation)
Glucose + oxygen -> CO2 + H2O
32ATP
Glucose from food is broken down into CO2 and water. The energy holding the glucose molecule is released.
Explain anaerobic respiration (equation)
Glucose -> pyruvate -> lactate
2ATP
Glycolysis is the process that takes place in cytoplasm breaking down glucose and forms pyruvate with 2 ATP molecules providing energy.
Lack of oxygen leads to fermentation= lactic acid
Lactic acidosis later needs to be oxides as it is toxic and cells can die
2 similarities of an/aerobic respiration
Both produce energy
Both require glucose
What is asthma
Asthma is the inflammation of the bronchi causing airways to become narrowed/tightened. Which may be caused by contact with allergens (smoke,pollen)
Symptoms of asthma
Reoccurring episodes of breathlessness (asthma attacks)
Tightening of chest
Wheezing
Causes of asthma
No exact cause of asthma
Genetics, often runs in families
Environmental/social factors:
exposure to tobacco
allergen triggers (dust,pollen)
smoking in the womb
modern hygiene no resistance
Treatments for asthma
Inhalers used to open airways/manage condition.
Preventative inhaler- used regularly to reduce inflammation of airways
Reliever inhalers- muscle relaxants for immediate relief of symptoms
Anti-inflammatory medication can be used to reduce swelling of airways
Identifying triggers to remove triggers from life to prevent attacks
De-sensitising injections to build a resistance to allergen
Asthma impacts on daily life
Struggle to participate in intense physical activity
Unable to climb flights of stairs
Take time off work/school if had an attack
Attacks can lead to hospitalisations
What is emphysema COPD
Emphysema is a condition where over time the lung tissue is damaged. The airways of the lungs become inflamed/narrowed and the alveoli become permanently damaged over time. Causing increasing difficulty to breathe
Symptoms of emphysema
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Persistent cough
Frequent chest infections
Symptoms get worse over time
Causes of emphysema
90% of cases is lifestyle choice (smoking)
Develop due to fumes/exposure to chemicals
Genetics (rare)
Treatments for emphysema
Inhalers to manage/control the inflammation of airways
Medication/antibiotics to treat frequent chest infections. Anti-inflammatory medication to relieve symptoms
Oxygen therapy to ensure the body is receiving enough O2
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Ambulatory oxygen therapy
long term oxygen therapy
Physiotherapy to restore/improve the function of the lungs by exercises, manipulation, massage techniques to improve quality of life
Impacts of emphysema on daily life
Emphysema causes breathlessness with tasks from major to minor
Unable to participate in physical activity
Unable to leave home
Pro-longed period of absence from work/school
Easily tired
What is cystic fibrosis
Genetically inherited condition due to gene defect where the chromosome controlling the movement of salt/water in/out of cells. The protein produced by gene creates to much mucus in the lungs. Causing re-occurring infections.
Symptoms of emphysema
Re-occurring chest infections
Inflammation of airways
Coughing, wheezing
Digestive malfunctions as well
Cause of cystic fibrosis
Both parents having a copy of the faulty gene, causing the child to inherit cystic fibrosis
Impacts on daily life
Reduced life expectancy
Pro-longed period of absence (hospitalisation)
Embarrassment because of symptoms
loss of independence
Reduced tolerance to exercise
Treatments of cystic fibrosis
Antibiotics to treat frequent chest infections
Medication to make mucus thinner, easier to cough up
Medication/inhalers to reduce inflammation
Physiotherapy to improve function of body with exercises, massage techniques to improve the quality of life. Improve sleep patterns
Surgery to remove the damaged section of lung/lung transplants. However only suitable when not controlled by medication
Three ways to monitor respiratory malfunctions
Spirometry
MRI/CT scans
Peak flow meters
Explain spirometry
Measures breathing capacity of lungs
By measuring the volume of air expired in first second of breathing out.
Used to diagnose/monitor COPD/Cystic fibrosis
Clip placed over nose and blow into mouthpiece, where expiration is measured. Repeating this three times lasting around 30-90 mins
Explain MRI/CT scanning
Provide high resolution detailed images of chest.
Repeated over time to monitor condition
Most effective method of detecting COPD
Explain peak flow meters
Measure the rate of exhalation
Measurements taken regularly to compare results (give baseline) monitor condition to indicate dilation/constriction
Asthma
