Respiratory Flashcards
Define the epiglottis
Leaf shaped cartilage
What is the parietal pleura
Covers the wall of the thoracic cavity
What is the visceral pleura
Covers the lungs
What is the pleural cavity
Potential space filled with serous fluid to prevent friction
What are chemoreceptors
Special sensory neurons that are located in the brain and in the walls of the aorta and carotid arteries
Responsible for the urge to breathe
What does the diaphragm do on contraction
The muscle flattens and descends increasing the volume inside the thoracic cavity. Pressure is decreased. Air moves from higher to lower pressure so air in drawn in)
What nerve is the diaphragm controlled by
Phrenic nerve
Define diffusion
It’s a process by which molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide move around
Define pulmonary ventilation
Is a process of inhalation and exhalation of air in and out of the lungs
Define external respiration
The exchange of gases between the alveoli of the lungs and the blood inside the pulmonary capillaries
Define internal respiration
The exchange of gases between the blood in capillaries around the body and the tissue/cells
What can cause obstruction of the air passages
The tongue
Maxilla facial injury
Blood, vomit saliva
Inhaled foreign objects
Suffication( external pressure to neck)
Drowning
Internal swelling of the tissues of the throat
Define asthma
It’s a condition characterised by intermittent reversible airway obstruction
Signs and symptoms of mild asthma
Speaks in sentences
Cough
Chest thightness
Signs and symptoms of moderate asthma
Speaks in phrases
Increasing symptoms
No features of severe asthma
