Respiratory pathiophysiology

Question 1

Define respiration.

Answer 1

Respiration is the body absorbing oxygen upon inhalation and the expulsion of carbon dioxide on exhalation.

Question 2

Define tidal volume.

Answer 2

Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during a normal breath. During normal ventilation, this is about 500ml.

Question 3

Define the respiratory anatomy from the trachea downwards.

Answer 3

Trachea < Carina of the trachea < Right and left main bronchus < Bronchi < Bronchioles < Alveoli.

Question 4

What sensors are used to stimulate breathing and what chemical does it analyse?

Answer 4

Breathing sensors are called chemoreceptors and are found peripherally and centrally.
They sense elevations in carbon dioxide levels.

Question 5

What are the 6 steps of a Respiratory exam?

Answer 5

History < Inspection (chest wall movement, scars, wounds) < Palpation < Percussion < Auscultation < Vitals.

Question 6

What is the air transfer process, and how does it get into the blood and back to the heart?

Answer 6

The air transfer process is called diffusion, a process of moving from a high gradient to a low gradient area to create an equilibrium.
The oxygen is diffused through alveoli in pulmonary capillaries, through Alveoli’s single layer of cells. This oxygenated blood flow back to the heart in the pulmonary veins.

Question 7

What makes up the upper airway?

Answer 7

Nostril < Internal Nares < Nasopharynx.
Mouth < Hard Palate (upper roof) < Tongue < Soft palate (upper posterior roof) < Uvula < Oropharynx < Epiglottis < laryngopharynx < Larynx.

Question 8

Define Oxygenation and Perfusion.

Answer 8

Oxygenation is the process of providing oxygen to the tissues.
Perfusion is the process of blood supply to an organ or tissue, influenced by gas exchange.