Respiratory System Flashcards
List the main components of the upper and lower respiratory tract
Nasal cavity
Larynx (voice box)
Pharynx (connects mouth and nasal cavity with trachea)
Trachea
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Describe the lobes of the right and left lung
Right - three lobes (upper, middle, lower) and oblique and horizontal fissures
Left - two lobes (upper, lower) and oblique fissure
Describe the alveoli
Air filled pockets where gas exchange takes place, large capillary network, thin walls, large surface area, surfactant to reduce surface tension
Describe the parietal pleura
Covers the internal surface of the thoracic cavity, thicker than the visceral pleura, allows optimal expansion and contraction of the lungs
Describe the visceral pleura
Covers the outer surface of the lungs and allows optimal expansion and contraction of lungs
Describe the pleural cavity
Potential space between parietal and visceral pleura which contains fluid that lubricates the pleura allowing them to slide over each other and produces a surface tension
What is the function, origin and insertion of the diaphragm
Contraction causes increase in volume of thoracic cavity allowing inspiration to occur, origin - xiphoid process, costal cartilage and ribs 7-12, L1-L3, insertion - central tendon of diaphragm
What is the function, origin and insertion of the internal intercostals
Depress rib cage, origin - costal groove, insertion - superior surface of rib below
What is the function, origin and insertion of the external intercostals
Elevate ribs, origin - lower border of rib, insertion - superior border of rib below
What is the function, origin and insertion of the scalenes
Elevation of first and second rib, origin - transverse processes of C2-C8, insertion - scalene tubercle of first and second rib
What are the functions of the respiratory system
Gas exchange
Regulation of blood pH
Voice production
Olfaction - smell
Protection against microorganisms
What is compliance
Measure of lungs ability to stretch and expand
What is anatomical dead space
Gas volume contained within the conducting airways
What is physiological dead space
Anatomical and alveolar dead space
What is total lung capacity
Volume of air in lungs upon maximum effort of inspiration
What is tidal volume
Amount of air inhaled or exhaled in one respiratory cycle
What is functional residual capacity
Amount of air remaining in lungs at the end of normal exhalation
RV + ERV
What is vital capacity
Total amount of air exhaled after maximal inhalation
What is dyspnoea
Breathlessness
What is haemoptysis
Coughing up blood
What is pulmonary oedema
Abnormal build up of fluid in lungs
What is perfusion
The flow of blood to alveolar capillaries
What are the defence mechanisms of the respiratory system
Mucus to trap pathogens
Cilia move mucus away from lungs
Alveolar macrophages
Reflexes - coughing, sneezing
What is bronchitis (acute and chronic)
Acute - inflammation of bronchial tree, symptoms include a cough that may produce sputum, nasal or sinus infections, wheezing, shortness of breath
Chronic - chronic cough and sputum production for at least 3 months a year for 2 consecutive years, under COPD, inflammation and excessive mucus build up in bronchi
What is emphysema
Progressive lung disease, under COPD, abnormal permanent enlargement of air spaces in alveoli and destruction of their walls causing reduced gas exchange
What is COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
Characterised by progressive air flow limitation and tissue destruction, symptoms include cough, dyspnea and sputum production
What is asthma
Reversible inflammation of airways and reversible airway obstruction due to hyperactivity. Often from an environmental triggers e.g excersise, symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness
What is bronchiectasis
Persistent and lifelong widening of bronchial airways and reduced function of mucus and cilia due to repeated infection, characterised by persistent cough with excess mucus
What is cystic fibrosis
Inherited disease of mucus and sweat glands affecting lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines. A gene causes production of thick sticky mucus which blocks the airways in lungs resulting in frequent infection
What is pneumothorax
Air in the pleural cavity causing lung to collapse, symptoms - sudden chest pain, dyspnoea, tachycardia, tachypnoea
What is pleural effusion
Unusual amount of fluid in pleural cavity, symptoms - breathlessness, chest pain, cough, weakness
What is interstitial lung disease
Umbrella term for diseases that cause scarring of lungs causing stiffness making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms - shortness of breath, dry cough, tiredness, weight loss
What is pneumonia
Infection within lung, symptoms - fever, cough, sputum production
What is pleuritis
Pleura become inflamed
What is emphysema thorasis
Infection of plural space
