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Question 1

Why are the lungs at risk of inflammation?

Answer 1

1. Large surface area
2. High numbers of leukocytes

Question 2

How does the respiratory tract stay sterile?

Answer 2

Epithelium - moistens, chem & phys barrier, cillia & mucus and endogenous flora

Immune molecules - Inflammatory mediators (cytokines), Chemotactic mediators & anti-microbials

Phagocytes - Alveolar macrophages - failure results in attack by neutrophils which leads to inflammation

Question 3

What are the non-respiratory functions of the lung?

Answer 3

Synthesis, activation and inactivation of various substances

Heamostatic functions

Lung defence

Speech

Question 4

Describe the processes invoved in acute inflammation

Answer 4

Vasodilation - Exudation of plasma inc antibodies

Activation of biochemical cascades

Migration of blood leukocytes

Question 5

What are the 6 functions of neutrophils?

Answer 5

1. Identifies the threat - receptors
2. Activation - Stimulus-response coupling
3. Adhesion
4. Migration/chemotaxis
5. Phagacytosis
6. Bacterial killing

Question 6

What is a respiratory acinus made up of?

Answer 6

Respiratory bronchioles

Alveolar sacs

Alveoli

Question 7

What is a cough?

Answer 7

A normal protective mechanism for clearing the tracheobroncial tree from secretions and foregin material

Question 8

Describe the mechanism of a cough

Answer 8

Close epiglottis + Tightening of the vocal cords = Traps air

Contraction of diaphragm, internal intercostal and abdominal muscles

Increase pressure

Epiglottis and vocal cords forced open

Air forced out due to pressure differences and tracheal narrowing