Pulmonary pathophysiology Flashcards
what is the first set of bronchioles that does not have cartilage?
terminal bronchioles
after how many branchings do the alveoli appear?
16th or 17th generation of branching
how does contraction of SMCs relate to air flow resistance?
increase
what bronchioles have the largest resistance?
medium sized bronchioles
what clinical scenarios result from decreased bronchiolar size? what happens to resistance?
asthma
bronchitis
increase
what clinical scenarios result from PNS activation (increased M3 activation)? what happens to resistance?
asthma
muscarinic agonists
increase
what clinical scenarios result from SNS activation? what happens to resistance?
EPI
albuterol
decrease
what is the site of gas exchange?
respiratory membrane
what is the composition of the respiratory membrane?
- layer of fluid lining the alveolus containing surfactant
- alveolar epithelium
- epithelial basement membrane
- interstitial space
- capillary basement membrane
- capillary endothelial membrane
what is the most prominent cell of the lung interstitium?
fibroblasts
what are the factors that affect gas diffusion across the respiratory membrane?
D - diffusion of gas across respiratory membrane
P - partial pressure difference between alveoli and blood
A - surface area
d - thickness
what factor of the gas diffusion equation can be modified clinically?
change in pressure
where does the pleural fluid come from?
systemic capillary
what is the most common cause of pleural effusion?
CHF - increased pulmonary venous hydrostatic pressure from visceral side
decreased microvascular oncotic pressure can cause what condition?
widespread edema - lungs are not spared - pulmonary edema