Respiratory Physiology and Lung Volumes Flashcards
what are the functions of the respiratory system
1) Gas exchange
2) Acid base balance
3) Defense against disease!
What is the function of filtration in the respiratory tract.
Turbulence in upper respiratory tract and large surface are allows inhaled particles to become trapped in the mucous lining the mucosa.
Smaller particles trapped by mucous further down the branching respiratory tract.
Macrophages help clear any particles that may reach the alveoli. Filtration has implications for drug delivery.
What is mucocilliary Transport
Cilia of mucosa beat in a rhythmic way and carry trapped particles towards the pharynx and digestive tract.
In digestive tract swallowed particles broken down by a combination of the low pH in the stomach and pepsin.
How does the respiratory tract tackle an immunological response.
Tonsils and adenoids are rich in lymphatic tissue - fixed and wondering macrophages ingest particles and function as antigen presenting cells and so activate the immune system.
What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory disease
Cough, Sneeze, Difficulty breathing (Dyspnoea), Cyanosis
How does a cough occur
Reflex response that functions by helping to clear congestion in the lower respiratory tract.
Involves inspiration
Closure of epiglottis and vocal chords
Forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles.
What is dspnoea
Difficult or laboured breathing
May result from airway obstruction
can be caused by reduced lung compliance.
What is cyanosis
Blueness off the skin and low blood PO2 in capillary beds.
What is emphysema
Mostly caused by elastin
What effect does smoking have on the respiratory disease.
Smoking allows inhalation of nicotine which accumulates in pulmonary epithelial cells.
Nicotine cause alveoli macrophages and neutrophils to increase the secretion of enzyme elastase and oxygen radicals.
What is elastase
Serine protease targets ECM elastin
Decresase of elastin decreases the elasticity of the lung.
Elastase produced by neutrophils and macrophages.
