Pulmonary System Flashcards
What are the primary functions of the pulmonary system?
Air distribution, gas exchange, supplying O₂ to blood, removing CO₂, regulating blood pH, maintaining acid-base balance, and protecting against pathogens.
What is pulmonary ventilation?
The process of breathing, including inhalation and exhalation.
How does air flow during inhalation?
Air flows in when atmospheric pressure is greater than lung pressure.
What happens to the diaphragm during inhalation?
It contracts and moves downward, expanding the thoracic cavity.
What is tidal volume (TV)?
The amount of air exhaled normally after a typical inspiration (about 500 mL).
What drives gas exchange in the lungs?
Differences in partial pressures of gases (O₂ and CO₂).
What occurs during external respiration?
O₂ is absorbed and CO₂ is released between the alveoli and blood.
What happens during internal respiration?
O₂ is delivered to tissues and CO₂ is collected from cells.
What is eupnea?
Normal, quiet breathing (12-20 breaths per minute).
What is hyperventilation?
Increased pulmonary ventilation in excess of the body’s needs, often leading to reduced CO₂ levels.
-hypocapnia
Define hypoventilation.
Decreased pulmonary ventilation that may lead to increased CO₂ levels.
-hypercapnia, hypoxia
What is hyperpnea?
increased breathing to meet an increase demand for O₂ by body
-stress or exercise
Define apnea
temporary cessation of breathing, usually at the end of normal expiration
What is asthma/common triggers
chronic inflammation of the airways
Air pollution, allergens, stress, exercise, and cold infections.
What are the main symptoms of asthma?
Coughing, chest tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing.
What is COPD, the two forms and how is it diagnosed?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Through spirometry, measuring FVC and FEV1
What is the difference between an asthma exacerbation and an asthma attack?
An exacerbation is a worsening of symptoms, while an attack is a severe episode requiring emergency treatment.
What is chronic bronchitis?
Persistent inflammation of the airways leading to cough and mucus production.
What characterizes emphysema?
Destruction of alveoli, leading to reduced surface area for gas exchange and air trapping.
What role do intercostal muscles play in breathing?
They assist in expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity during inhalation and exhalation.
What does Boyle’s Law state in relation to breathing?
At constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume.
What role do Th2 cells play in asthma?
They are involved in allergic responses and drive inflammation in asthma through cytokine release.
What are some common cytokines involved in asthma?
IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which contribute to inflammation and mucus production.
What is airway remodeling in asthma?
Structural changes in the airways due to chronic inflammation, leading to narrowed airways.
What is the significance of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in emphysema?
AAT is a protease inhibitor; deficiency increases the risk of lung tissue damage in emphysema.
What is the airflow limitation status in asthma vs. COPD?
In asthma, airflow limitations are fully reversible; in COPD, they are not fully reversible.
