Lung mechanics 2 Flashcards
What does COPD stand for? What is it
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, thick narrow bronchioles with excess mucus (bronchiolitis) + destruction of alveolar cells (emphysema)
What is the purpose of a surfactant in the lungs
Reduces the surface tension in the alveoli
What is surfactant in the lungs made of?
A mixture of phospholipids - have a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic end, they float on the surface of the alveolar lining fluid.
What is lung compliance?
The measure of stiffness of the lungs - low compliance = stiff lungs; high compliance = floppy lungs.
What characterises asthma?
Narrowed airways, bronchoconstrictions but normal alveoli
What characterises chronic bronchitis?
Hypertrophy of walls of airways, increased mucus secretion, normal alveoli
What characterises emphysema
Alveolar destruction - airways poorly supported
Name a few obstructive lung diseases
Asthma, chronic bronchitis, empysema
Name a couple of restrictive lung diseases
Lung fibrosis, weakness of the respiratory muscles
What characterises lung fibrosis?
Scar tissue in the lungs which decrease its compliance.
How will FEV1 and FEV be effected in an obstructive lung disease?
FEV1 greatly lowered and FEV lowered
How will FEV1 and FEV be effected in an restrictive lung disease?
FEV1 and FEV lowered
