respiratory system Flashcards
Identify and describe the structures of the respiratory system.
The structures of the respiratory system are:
- Nose
- Nasal cavity
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Bronchiole
- Alveoli
- Diaphragm
What are alveoli? What is their general structure?
The alveoli are air sacs where gas exchange occurs. The alveoli are shaped like balls and are surrounded by capillaries.
In general, how and where does gas exchange occur?
Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli. Unoxygenated blood comes to the lungs from the heart where CO2 from the capillaries is exchanged with O2 in the alveoli.
Describe the structure of pleura. What is the difference between parietal and visceral pleura? What is the pleural cavity? What is the hilum of the lung?
The pleura is a membrane that wraps around the lungs. The parietal pleura is the outer wall while the visceral pleura is the inner wall of the membrane. The pleural cavity is the space in between the parietal and visceral pleura. The hilum of the lung is a space between the ends of the pleura that allows blood vessels and nerves to pass through into the lungs.
What are tonsils? What specifically do adenoids refer to?
Tonsils are collections of lymphatic tissue and infections fighting cells. Adenoids specifically are the tonsils in the back of your naval cavity.
What is atelectasis? What are the three general causes of atelectasis?
Atelectasis is when the alveoli become deflated, and a collapsed lung is the result. The three main causes are blockage of airway such as tumor or mucus, fluid accumulation such as blood, and air accumulation
What is one possible treatment for atelectasis?
One treatment for atelectasis is thoracocentesis which is a procedure to remove fluid from the thoracic cavity
What is cystic fibrosis? What causes it? What cells of the body does it impact? What areas of the body does it tend to affect?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mucus producing cells and results in the lungs and digestive track getting plugged up with mucus.
What is COPD? What two conditions contribute to it?
COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the two conditions that contribute to it are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What causes emphysema? How does emphysema damage lung tissue?
Emphysema is damage to the alveoli and loss of lung tissue elasticity mainly caused by smoking.
What is chronic bronchitis? What causes it and how are the structures of the lungs impacted?
Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi and increased mucus production which is mainly caused by smoking.
