Physiology Flashcards
white blood cells function?
Fight infection
Red Blood cells
Transport Oxygen bound to haemoglobin
Platelets function?
Blood clotting mechanism
Blood plasma function?
Liquid part of the blood. Carries dissolved nutrients and waste products as well as other blood components mentioned above.
- What systems in our bodies gives us our sense of balance?
Sight
Touch
Prioproception
- Describe the 5 effects of gas bubbles on your tissues.
Produce an immune response
b) Bubble attracts white blood cells and mast cells
c) Protein cells release fatty acids from cell producing fat emboli
d) Mast cells release histamines, which increase blood flow by dilating venules and capillaries, and make endothelium ‘sticky’, which causes white blood cells to stick to blood vessel walls (margination).
e) Margination causes endothelial cells to ‘separate’, leading to leakage of fluid from capillaries, which can also allow gas bubbles to permeate cell walls and enter lymphatic system.
f). Mechanical damage to cells occurs, and injured cells release chemicals that attract platelets, promoting formation of clots.
g). Platelets can attach themselves to bubbles thus creating a larger mass and increasing chances of blockages.
What substance lines the alveoli?
surfactant
What is one of the functions of surfactant in the alveoli?
To keep tissues moist,
allow gaseous exchange
to even out surface tension to maintain shape
What gas plays the major role in the control of breathing?
co2
How does the body detect Co2
Chemoreceptors in the carotid arteries and aortic arch
- List 3 of the most important ‘systems’ in our bodies that are affected by diving.
Circulatory system;
Pulmonary system;
Vestibular system
- List two major causes of Hypercapnia (CO2 build up) for a scuba diver
Skip breathing; Tight equipment, Poorly performing regulator
- Carbon dioxide toxicity predisposes the diver to two other diving ailments – what are they?
: DCI; Narcosis; Hypothermia; O2 toxicity. NB: Don’t accept ‘Headache’. Not diving specific.
- Define respiratory dead-space.
That section of the airway that does not take part in gas exchange. Can include airway ‘extensions’ such as snorkels.
- List 4 causes of lack of oxygen to the body
Need any four diving illnesses, or anything else that might prevent breathing such as equipment failure, near drowning, etc!
- List 2 causes of saltwater aspiration syndrome
NEED TWO OF:
Hole in exhaust diaphragm of regulator; hole in mouthpiece of regulator; improper breathing technique, or snorkelling in windy weather where spume/spray is being lifted off water surface so it can be inhaled.
- List 4 signs and/or symptoms of salt water aspiration syndrome?
NEED FOUR OF:
Shortness of breath
Coughing
pain behind breastbone
uncontrollable shivering
hot and cold flushes, fever
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
Also rarely, bronchiospasm where patient appears to have asthma or an allergic reaction restricting respiration
- Why is it important to hospitalise an apparently recovered victim of near drowning?
Because of the potential for complications (blood chemistry changes/lung complications), which can lead to difficulty breathing/unconsciousness at a later stage after the event.
Pneumothorax location and symptoms derived from it
in chest cavity
chest pain, short breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis
subcutaneous emphysema?
List symptoms
under ther skin
Crackling sensation, voice changes, fullness of throat, deviated trachea, shortness of breath
Mediastinal emphysema
Air escaping from lungs as part of ascending too fast
Middle of chest (usually below sternum)
Heart irregularities, low blood pressure, pain behind breastbone, cyanosis
Air embolism?
Symptoms?
Arterial circulation (being blocked by bubbles)
Sudden unconsciousness, confusion, visual disturbances, convulsions, pink frothy sputum, signs of shock and other CNS symptoms
- List the appropriate first aid for pulmonary barotrauma.
DRABC
Provide 100% O2
Treat for shock:
Lay patient down flat; Reassure; Protect from elements or further exposure; monitor conscious state
Seek medical aid as soon as possible
If conscious:
Ascertain relevant details regarding the dive
e.g. depth/time, ascent rate
controlled or not, equipment faults, previous activities, buddy comments etc.
If unconscious:
Patient should be postured laying flat or left lateral (coma position)
If on-site recompression is available, this should be utilised where appropriate
Arrange transport for further medical attention
Preferably where recompression
facilities are available.
- List the 4 major components of blood.
(a) Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
(b) White blood cells (leucocytes)
(c) Platelets
(d) Plasma
- (a) List 2 major properties of arteries.
NEED TWO OF:
Carry oxygenated blood from the heart (except pulmonary artery)
High pressure vessels
Have thick elastic muscular walls
List 2 major properties of veins.
NEED TWO OF
Generally carry deoxygenated blood to the heart (except pulmonary vein);
Thin walled and less elastic than arteries
Low pressure
Have valves
Generally closer to surface of skin than arteries
List 2 major properties of capillaries.
NEED TWO OF:
Very small (0.2mm diameter);
Act as a reservoir of blood (contain 1/6 of total circulating blood volume)
Site of diffusion/gas exchange
Capable of vasodilation/vasoconstriction
- Which artery carries deoxygenated blood
Pulmonary artery
carotid artery is located
Neck
- What is the primary O2 transport mechanism in our circulatory system
O2 molecules bonded to haemoglobin
Brachial artery located
upper arm
Femoral artery located?
Thigh
Aorta located?
Chest
Tachycardia?
elevated heart rate
Bradycardia?
Decreased heart rate
Oxyhaemoglobin?
Haemoglobin bonded with O2 molecule
define shock
lack of effective circulating blood volume
- List 4 major signs and/or symptoms of shock.
Decreased conscious level
Pale skin / cyanosis
Shivering (may be uncontrollable)
Cold sweaty skin
Weak ‘thready’ pulse