Respiratory System Flashcards
What is the link disease
COPD
What is the structure
Air is warmed and filtered as it enters the body
Nasal cavity
What is the structure
Brings the air into the lungs. Supported by rings of cartilage that prevents collapsing
Trachea
What is the structure
Branches off the trachea to bring air into the lungs. Also supported by rings of cartilage
Bronchus
What is the structure
Branches off the bronchi
Bronchiole
What is the structure
Small air sacs that are the site of gas exchange
Alveoli
What is the structure
Organ where gas exchange occurs
Lung
What is the structure
Protect internal organs of the thorax
Ribs
What is the structure
Part of the body between the neck and abdomen
Thorax
What is the structure
Sheet of muscle below the ribs that aid breathing
Diaphragm
What is the structure
Thin layers that reduce friction between the lungs and the inside of the chest wall during breathing
Pleural membranes
What is the structure
Fluid found in the pleural cavity (between the pleural membrane layers). It further reduces friction during breathing
Pleural fluid
In the trachea what layer produces mucus
Inner mucus layer (globlet cells produce the mucus)
What layer of the trachea prevents the collapse of the trachea during expiration
The outer cartilage layer
What is the purpose of club cells
Form surfactant which aid bronchioles to expand during inhalation and avoid bronchial collapse during exhalation
What are pneumocytes
Lung cells that make up the alveoli
Type 1 pneumocytes characteristics
Thin cells that are adapted to carry out gas exchange. Flat to minimise distance that gases have to diffuse between the capillary and the alveoli
Type 2 pneumocytes characteristics
Secretes a solution called surfactant that creates a moist surface inside the alveoli to prevent the side of the alveolus adhering to each other.
How is alveoli specialised for gas exchange
Large surface area to volume ratio
Good blood supply
Short diffusion distance
Moisture levels
Body temperature
How many polypeptides does haemoglobin molecule have and how is it structured
4 polypeptides structured with a haem group(with an iron ion) . 4 haem groups per red blood cell
What happens in inhalation
The diaphragm contracts and moves down, low pressure draws air inwards.
Intercostal muscles contract causing rib cage to go up and outwards
What happens in exhalation
Elastic recoil of the tissue of the lungs
Diaphragm relaxes and moves up increasing the pressure so forcing air out of the lungs
Intercostal muscles relax causing rib cage to move in and down
COPD causes
COPD impacts
COPD treatments
What is COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. Including emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs) and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways) whilst reducing the surface for gas exchange
What is emphysema
Gradual destruction of the alveoli causing loss of surface area. The damaged alveoli doesn’t work properly and old air becomes trapped leaving no room for fresh air
What is chronic bronchitis
Inflammation of the breathing tubes causing narrowing of the airways and excess mucus production.
What are causes of COPD
Tobacco exposure
Occupational exposure (chemicals, fumes)
Indoor air pollutions (biomass, coal)
Early life events (poor growth)
Asthma
Genetic factors
What are symptoms of COPD
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Chest infections
Persistent wheezing
Tiredness
Weight loss
Treatments for COPD
Inhalers
Steroids
Lifestyle changes
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Surgery
