Respiratory System Flashcards
respiratory system function
brings oxygen from the air into the body for delivery to the cells via the blood
respiration
exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the cells of the body
ventilation
bringing of fresh air into the lungs
what does the upper respiratory tract consist of?
nostrils, nose, nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx
what lines the upper respiratory tract?
epithelial cells containing cilia and goblet cells
goblet cells
secrete mucus which traps foreign particles that are then moved out of the respiratory tract via cilia movement
what does the lower respiratory tract consist of?
trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli
bronchioles are lined with smooth muscles which allows them to constrict and dilate
alveoli
small, terminal, saclike structures where oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across a thin membrane
upper respiratory tract conditions
mainly caused by infectious agents
CS: coughing, sneezing, congestion
lower respiratory tract conditions
asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, recurrent airway obstruction (ROA)
productive cough
expels mucus and foreign material
don’t suppress
non-productive cough
doesn’t expel mucus or foreign material
ok to suppress
can become a productive cough
respiratory drugs function
work to keep airways open and gases moving efficiently
what types of drugs treat upper airway conditions?
expectorants, mucolytics, antitussives, decongestants
what types of drugs treat lower airway conditions?
bronchodilators and antihistamines
what type of drug is used to enhance ventilation?
stimulants
what type of drug is used to treat infections?
antimicrobials
expectorants respiratory drugs
debris clearing
increase the flow of respiratory secretions to allow material such as pathogens and inflammatory debris to be coughed up from lungs, reduce stickiness of mucus
Guaifenesin
cough tablets
expectorant
used orally to increase secretions from the airway and clear it of fluid
used in horses as a muscle relaxant as part of anesthesia
mucolytics respiratory drugs
decrease the viscosity or thickness of respiratory secretions
Acetylcysteine
mucolytic
breaks up thick mucus secretions in the airway to promote better respiration
can be po, IV, or aerosol through nebulization
antitussives
suppress coughing
can be centrally or locally acting
centrally acting antitussives
work on cough centers of the brain
locally acting antitussives
soothes irritation that initiates cough
syrup or lozenges
not used often in vet
narcotic antitussives
Butorphanol, Hydrocodone, codeine