Respiratory System Flashcards
Function of larynx
Holds the vocal chords, used for breathing (trachea), talking and swallowing (oesophagus)
Function of trachea
Windpipe - allows inhaled air to travel into the lungs. it connects the larynx with the bronchi. it is supported by rings of cartilage.
Function of alveoli
Air sacs at the end of the bronchioles, where gaseous exchange takes place. oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is released from the blood
Function of diaphragm
Muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen, and allows the lungs to move.
Function of the intercostal muscles
Muscles found between the ribs that work with the diaphragm to allow the rib cage to change in volume
Function of the pleural membrane
2 layers that are thin and slippery and allow the lungs to move easily during ventilation
Function of the bronchus
Main passageway to the lungs
Function of the ribs
Moveable cage that encloses and protects the lungs
Function of the lungs
Cone shaped organ that sit in the chest cavity, where ventilation occurs
Function of the bronchiole
Transfers air from the bronchus to the alveoli. they have muscular walls.
Function of the cilia
Tiny hairs that line the passages (trachea, bronchus, bronchioles). Mucus is produced to trap dirt, dust and pathogens. They then move the mucus towards the throat to be swallowed.
Inhalation
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract. the diaphragm flattens and the ribcage and sternum move up and out. the volume of the thorax increases in size and the pressure decreases. air is forced into the lungs
Exhalation
Intercostal muscles and the diaphragm relax. the ribcage and sternum move down and in. the volume of the thorax decreases and the pressure increases, forcing air out.
Function of goblet cells
Secrete and produce mucus
Biological explanation for asthma
Inflammation of the bronchi, making them more sensitive.
Sometimes allergies can cause the muscles to constrict and there’s an increase in the sticky mucus (phlegm).
Symptoms of asthma
Recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlesness, tightness of the chest
Asthma ‘attacks’, where epispdes of wheezing can only be relieved by reliever inhalers
Possible causes of asthma
Exact cause not known
Risk factors:
-Hereditary
- Exposure to tobacco smoke as a child or in the womb
- Triggers
- Being born prematurely
- No resistence due to modern hygiene standards
Monitoring of asthma
Peak flow test - can see how much you can breathe out
Spirometry - diagnosis test
Treatment of asthma
No cure
Preventer inhalers to stop symptoms developing
Reliever inhalers to relieve symptoms when they occur
Injections to control symptoms
Surgery to open airways more
Medication for asthma
Tablets to stop or control symptoms
Gaseous exchange definition
The delivery of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream, and the elimination of carbon dioxide. It occurs in the lungs between the alveoli and a network of capillaries.
Brief explanation of gaseous exchange
There is a higher concentration of oxygen in inhaled air than there is in the blood. Oxygen diffuses into the blood and combines with the haemoglobin in the eurythrocytes, forming oxyhaemoglobin.
Aerobic respiration explanation
Glucose + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)
Anaerobic repiration explanation
Glucose = lactic acid (+ energy)
Emphysema biological explanation
A condition within a group of respiratory illnesses called COPD. Chemicals in the air paralyse the cilia and eventually kills them, leading to a build up of mucus. Pathogens get trapped in the lungs, and increaed exposure weakens the lungs.
Emphysema causes
Long-term smoking, air pollution, chemical fumes and dust
Asthma lifestyle changes
Unable to participate in sporting activities
Emphysema lifestyle changes
Increased breathlessness could affect intimacy
A stairlift may be needed to help a person get upstairs
Emotional and social issues of struggling to complete tasks
Oxygen cylinder to assist with breathing could lead to people feeling left out
Monitoring, treatment and care needs of emphysema
No cure but treatment would slow symptoms
Avoid irritants
Lose weight and regular exercise
A chext x-ray or a CT scan
Biological explanation of cystic fibrosis
Present from birth. Producing unusually thick and sticky mucus.
Asthma symptoms
Increase in the production of mucus.
Wheezing, shortness of breath, tight chest and coughing
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Digestive complications can lead to wind or constipation or diarrhea
Coughing and repeated chest infections
Lifestyle changes of cystic fibrosis
Greater risk of developing depression
Can restrict socialising due to treatment regimes
Reduced life expectancy
