Respiratory

Question 1

What is mucociliary escalator?

Answer 1

Cilia move the particle-laden mucus towards
the oesophagus where it can be coughed up
or swallowed, thus protecting the lungs from
inhaled pathogens. This mechanism is
called the mucociliary escalator.

Question 2

Sympathetic and parasympathetic roles

Answer 2

• Sympathetic (fight or flight) response à
  tracheal dilation.
• Parasympathetic (rest and digest)
  response à tracheal constriction.

Question 3

Explain the bicarbonate buffer reaction to control blood PH

Answer 3

• CO2 diffuses down its concentration
  gradient from tissues into the blood.
• Because of the high-water content
  of blood, CO2 combines with water
  to produce carbonic acid (H2CO3).
• As carbonic acid is unstable, it decomposes
  immediately into bicarbonate and H+ .
• Hydrogen is exhaled and excreted in
  urine to reduce the acidity. In addition,
  the bicarbonate formed is alkaline, which
  buffers the acidity of blood to keep pH stable.

Question 4

What other things except the co2 creates acidosis?

Answer 4

Exercise produces lactic acid, Fasting produces ketoacids.

Question 5

How is alveolar gas exchange maximised?

Answer 5

It has a single layer wall
It has a large surface
It is moist as exchange of gases is easier in water
It has lots of blood capillaries

Question 6

What is tidal volume?

Answer 6

The normal volume of air that is inspired to the lungs without any extra effort. The normal tidal volume is usually 500 ml.

Question 7

Who have larger lung volumes?

Answer 7

Men, people who live in higher altitudes, Non smoker, athelets, Taller individuals.