Natalie - Compliance and Elastic Recoil Flashcards
What are two other names for the alveolar region of the lung?
Acinar region
Parenchymal region
What are the main functions of the alveolar region?
Gas exchange
Support
What is the name given to a support tissue?
Parenchymal tissue
Give an example of a disease brought on by the lack of alveoli and closed airways
Emphysema
What are the alveolar walls also called?
The respiratory membrane
Write a note on the alveolar walls
(5)
Simple squamous epithelium
Endothelial cells line the capillaries
Fused basal laminae -> alveoli share walls for efficient gas diffusion
Septal cells
Alveolar macrophages - patrol epithelium and engulf foreign particles
Write a note on the simple squamous epithelium found in the alveoli.
(5)
Type 1 alveolar cell/type 1 septal cell/type 1 pneumocyte
Provide structure to the wall
Have energy-dependent membrane associated pumps
Important in removal of fluid which could potentially prevent gas exchange
These cells cannot divide when they are damaged or dying
Write a note on type 2 pneumocytes
(5)
Pneumocytes
Type 2 alveolar/septal cells
Scattered in respiratory membrane, more rounded than type 1
Produce surfactant - keep alveoli open during breathing and reduce surface tension
Twice as abundant as type 1
Can replace type 1 when they die
What type of cells produce surfactant?
Type 2 septal cells/pneumocytes
What are alveolar macrophages also called?
Dust cells
What determines the rate at which air flows into and out of the lungs?
(2)
The pressure gradient between the atmosphere and alveoli
The airway resistance
Define lung compliance
(2)
A measure of the ease at which our lungs can stretch
The change in lunge volume that results from a given change in transpulmonary pressure
What is the equation for lung compliance?
Change in lung volume/change in transpulmonary pressure
Why is a large lung compliance advantageous?
(2)
Because a smaller change in transpulmonary pressure is needed to bring a given volume of air
Therefore less work/muscle contraction is required
Describe the chest wall in infants
Very soft cartilaginous chest wall = very compliant