Pulmonary System

Question 1

What are the primary functions of the pulmonary system?

Answer 1

Air distribution, gas exchange, supplying O₂ to blood, removing CO₂, regulating blood pH, maintaining acid-base balance, and protecting against pathogens.

Question 2

What is pulmonary ventilation?

Answer 2

The process of breathing, including inhalation and exhalation.

Question 3

How does air flow during inhalation?

Answer 3

Air flows in when atmospheric pressure is greater than lung pressure.

Question 4

What happens to the diaphragm during inhalation?

Answer 4

It contracts and moves downward, expanding the thoracic cavity.

Question 5

What is tidal volume (TV)?

Answer 5

The amount of air exhaled normally after a typical inspiration (about 500 mL).

Question 6

What drives gas exchange in the lungs?

Answer 6

Differences in partial pressures of gases (O₂ and CO₂).

Question 7

What occurs during external respiration?

Answer 7

O₂ is absorbed and CO₂ is released between the alveoli and blood.

Question 8

What happens during internal respiration?

Answer 8

O₂ is delivered to tissues and CO₂ is collected from cells.

Question 9

What is eupnea?

Answer 9

Normal, quiet breathing (12-20 breaths per minute).

Question 10

What is hyperventilation?

Answer 10

Increased pulmonary ventilation in excess of the body’s needs, often leading to reduced CO₂ levels.
-hypocapnia

Question 11

Define hypoventilation.

Answer 11

Decreased pulmonary ventilation that may lead to increased CO₂ levels.
-hypercapnia, hypoxia

Question 12

What is hyperpnea?

Answer 12

increased breathing to meet an increase demand for O₂ by body
-stress or exercise

Question 13

Define apnea

Answer 13

temporary cessation of breathing, usually at the end of normal expiration

Question 14

What is asthma/common triggers

Answer 14

chronic inflammation of the airways
Air pollution, allergens, stress, exercise, and cold infections.

Question 15

What are the main symptoms of asthma?

Answer 15

Coughing, chest tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing.

Question 16

What is COPD, the two forms and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 16

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Through spirometry, measuring FVC and FEV1

Question 17

What is the difference between an asthma exacerbation and an asthma attack?

Answer 17

An exacerbation is a worsening of symptoms, while an attack is a severe episode requiring emergency treatment.

Question 18

What is chronic bronchitis?

Answer 18

Persistent inflammation of the airways leading to cough and mucus production.

Question 19

What characterizes emphysema?

Answer 19

Destruction of alveoli, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange and air trapping.

Question 20

What role do intercostal muscles play in breathing?

Answer 20

They assist in expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity during inhalation and exhalation.

Question 21

What does Boyle’s Law state in relation to breathing?

Answer 21

At constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume.

Question 22

What role do Th2 cells play in asthma?

Answer 22

They are involved in allergic responses and drive inflammation in asthma through cytokine release.

Question 23

What are some common cytokines involved in asthma?

Answer 23

IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which contribute to inflammation and mucus production.

Question 24

What is airway remodeling in asthma?

Answer 24

Structural changes in the airways due to chronic inflammation, leading to narrowed airways.

Question 25

What is the significance of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in emphysema?

Answer 25

AAT is a protease inhibitor; deficiency increases the risk of lung tissue damage in emphysema.

Question 26

What is the airflow limitation status in asthma vs. COPD?

Answer 26

In asthma, airflow limitations are fully reversible; in COPD, they are not fully reversible.