Systems Physiology Flashcards
What are the main functions of the skin?
Protection, sensation, thermoregulation, metabolic, physical and sexual identity
What are some of the protective functions of the skin?
Physical barrier to bacteria
Excessive dehydration, UV radiation
Physical, chemical, thermal insults
Penetration of drugs & chemicals
What are the metabolic functions of the skin?
Adipose tissue is a major energy store
Vitamin D synthesised in epidermis
What are the three layers of the skin?
Epidermis
Dermis - dense irregular CT, highly vascular, many sensory receptors
Hypodermis - loose CT contains adipose tissue
What type of epithelial cells make up the epidermis?
Stratified squamous
What are the four major layers of the epidermis?
Stratum basale Stratum spinosum Stratum granulosum Stratum corneum (Stratum lucidum in v thick skin between SG & SC)
What is keratinocyte?
Epithelial cell that produces keratin
Is abundant in the epidermis and has abundant intercellular junctions (desmosomes and adherens)
Describe keratin
Family of fibrous structural proteins
Intermediate filament made of 4 protofilaments which are pairs of coiled coils of 2 a-helices
Acidic (1) and basic (2) types
Is abundant in stratum corneum in soft form (undergone keratinisation) S-S bonds of cysteine define soft/hardness
Describe the germ layer
Stem cells and transit amplifying cells sitting on basement membrane
SC - unlimited self renewal, TA - limited division before terminal differentiation
What is keratinisation?
Migration of keratinocytes, which become tightly bound by desmosomes, from basal to corneal layer
Describe the stratum spinosum
Very thick layer; at least 3-4 cells thick
Has numerous desmosomes giving cells prickly appearance
Prominent nuclei and cytoplasmic basophilia-active protein synthesis, highly expressed keratin
Describe stratum granulosum
2-3 cells thick
Large, numerous basophilic keratohyalin granules - filaggrin, involucrin
Synthesise glycoprotein granules - intercellular cementing substance
Cell death occurs at the outermost layer
Describe the stratum corneum
Dead, terminally differentiated cells with unique morphology and staining
Fused flattened cells lacking organelles, filled with mature keratin providing protective barrier of skin
Thick, cornified cell envelope beneath PM
Describe the dermis
Complex mix of macromolecules supplied by many blood vessels which provides strength and elasticity to skin
Acts a support for epidermis
Split into Papillary and reticular
Describe papillary dermis
Is loose CT
Loosely packed T3 collagen with elastin fibres on superficial layer
Contains many blood capillaries (vascular papillae)
Describe reticular dermis
Dense CT
Closely packed T1 collagen and elastin
Provides mechanical strength of skin
Hydrophilic gel but flexibility decreases with age
GS - amorphous matrix that embeds collagenous and elastic fibres, skin appendages
GAGs - hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulphates, chondroitin sulphates
What is the role of fibroblasts in the dermis?
Repair of dermis
Synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans
What is the pilosebaceous unit?
Hair follicle and sebaceous gland
What are the two types of hair follicle?
Vellus - body hair
Terminal - scalp, secondary sexual hair
Describe the structure of hair follicles
Dermal papilla in hair bulb at root, contains fibroblasts which control hair growth by supplying growth factors
Matrix - surrounding papilla, keratinocytes produce hair
Bulge further up contains hair follicle stem cells, also repair skin
Shaft - dead, exposed head of hair
Root - 5 concentric layers of epithelial; inner 3 form hair shaft, outer 2 form epithelial sheath
What are the 3 stages of the hair cycle?
Anagen - active growth phase
Catagen - regressive, shaft cut off from blood supply and cells
Telogen - resting, hair sheds off
Describe the sebaceous gland
Exocrine gland which is androgen (male sex hormone) sensitive
Enlarges during puberty causing acne
Mature sebocytes contain sebum, cell ruptures and sebum released into sebaceous duct and onto skin (lubricates skin and hair)
Describe the eccrine sweat gland
Excretory duct - 2 layers of smaller cuboidal cells
Compact secretory coil - single layer of large cuboidal/columnar cells
What is the composition of sweat and its function?
99% water, aides thermoregulation as evaporating water cools skin
Describe the apocrine gland
Large sweat glands - widely dilated lumen in coiled secretory portion
Present in axilla (underarms) and pubic region
Releases volatile milky, viscous fluid that is odourless BO produced by breaking down of fluid by bacteria
Not functional until puberty
Describe a melanocyte
Dendritic (antigen-presenting immune cell) cell in epidermis on BM
Produce melanin in melanosome - eumelanin (brown/black), pheomelanin (red/brown) - which is injected into keratinocytes
Protects against UV
Describe langerhan cells
Dendritic present in basal and spinous layers
Antigen presenting cell that is 1st line of defence, presents antigen to T lymphocytes
Describe merkel and mast cells
Merkel - in stratum basale, sensory perception (differences in texture)
Mast - in dermis, immune response, produces histamine
What is endochondral ossification?
Formation of bone during fetal development from hyaline cartilage (T2 collagen) model
Model provides rough shape of mature bone
Is typical of long bone formation, allows stresses to be handled during growth
Describe endochondral ossification
Cartilage model forms in embryo
Blood capillaries invade perichondrium converting to periosteum around centre of model
Bone collar (periosteal bone around diaphysis) produced by osteoblasts in periosteum
Chondrocytes at middle of diaphysis mature, hyper trophy and die, cartilage matrix calcified leaving spicules of calcified cartilage
Nutrient artery from periosteum enters diaphysis through bony collar, carries osteoblasts that lay down trabecular bone in place of calcified cartilage
Appositional growth of epiphysis, chondrocytes in centre mature and die. Calcification of this cartilage occurs
Blood vessel enters degenerating cartilage, osteoblast activity replaces calcified cartilage with bone
In postnatal growth how is bone shaft diameter increased?
Appositional growth - formation of bone on periosteal surface
Thickness is maintained by resorption of inner surface allowing diameter to increase while maintaining strength and weight of bone
Where does growth in length occur in long bones?
Epiphyseal growth plate - area between diaphysis and epiphysis allowing growth in length by interstitial growth
Grows from epiphyseal to diaphysis
Proliferation of cartilage in epiphysis thickens layer
Degeneration of cartilage and replacement with bone at diaphysis
What are the 5 zones of the epiphyseal growth plate?
- Resting - resting/reserve chondrocytes
- Growth - proliferating chondrocytes
- Hypertrophic zone - hypertrophying chondrocytes (increase in size of cells)
- Calcification - dying chondrocytes, calcification of cartilage
- Ossification - osteoblastic activity, cartilage resorbed replaced with bone
What is intramembranous ossification?
Bone formation within fibrous membrane
Is typical of flat bones (mandible, skull)
Describe intramembranous ossification
Mesenchymal cells within fibrous CT membrane cluster at multiple sites where they spontaneously differentiate into osteoblasts, secrete osteoid at centres of ossification
Osteoid matrix is calcified
Further osteoblast activity on surface of sites, small trabeculae from and fuse together producing trabecular bone (woven bone remodelled into lamellar bone)
Layer of compact bone covers core of trabecular bone
Appositional growth permits increase in size
What supplies blood to the periosteum and outer compact bone of diaphysis?
Periosteal arteries through Volkmann’s and Haversian canals
What parts of bone does the nutrient artery supply?
Inner portions of diaphyseal compact bone, trabecular bone, bone marrow
What are the epiphyseal and metaphyseal trabecular bones supplied by?
Epiphyseal and metaphyseal arteries
Why does bone remodelling occur?
Constantly occurs to skeleton
Repair fractures and micro-damage caused by normal activity
Functional demands of mechanical stress detected by mechanosensors i.e. tennis player will have stronger arm
How does bone remodelling occur?
Usually bone resorbed by osteoclasts, osteoblasts line surface and produce new lamellar bone
What factors can affect remodelling?
Mechanical stress
Demands of Ca homeostasis; parathyroid hormone usually inhibits bone formation but given intermittently will encourage formation; calcitonin directly binds to osteoclasts and limits their activity
Fracture/micro-damage
What are the three types of muscle and what are their shared characteristics?
Skeletal, cardiac, smooth
All contract, contain actin and myosin plus accessory proteins
Describe the appearance of smooth muscle
No striations
Central nucleus
Spindle shaped
Bundles of contractile proteins criss-cross cell, insert into focal densities (anchorage points in CM)
How is smooth muscle cell held and why?
Held by meshwork of laminae composed of T4 collagen binding cells into functional mass
What is the function of calmodulin in smooth muscle?
Senses increase in Ca triggering off contraction: Ca enters cell, Ca released from sarcoplasmic reticulum, binds to calmodulin, activates myosin heads to bind to actin
How is contraction in smooth muscle regulated?
Autonomic nervous system, hormones, local physiological conditions (high BP causes friction on surface of blood vessels, induces release of NO which causes vasodilation)
Do smooth muscle cells retain mitotic capability?
Yes - able to make more smooth muscle
Uterus during pregnancy
Fibroids (leiomyoma) - benign tumour of SM
Describe the appearance of cardiac muscle
Striated - actin and myosin in regular arrangement
Central nucleus
Long branched cardiac fibres - formed from linking muscle cells end-to-end, allows contraction in 1+ direction (twist)
Intercalated disks (specialised junctional system) - wavy to increase SA allowing lots of gap junctions to rapidly transfer electrical energy, allows contraction in syncytium (1 functional unit)
Can cardiac muscle regenerate?
No - cardiac muscle lacks steam cells, there is no regeneration after damage
Describe contraction in cardiac muscle
Similar to skeletal muscle
Under autonomic nervous system control
Define hypertrophy and hyperplasia
Hypertrophy - increase in size
Hyperplasia - increase in number
Describe the appearance of skeletal muscle
Striated - regular arrangement of actin and myosin
Multinucleated fibres - fusion of multiple cells
Peripheral nucleus
What are the regeneration capabilities of skeletal muscle?
Contain stem cells - able to repair self only if sarcolemma is intact
If damaged - region replaced with fibrocollagenous tissue
Describe the sarcolemma
Muscle cell PM
Extends transversely into muscle
Surrounds each myofibril at junction of A and I bands (T-tubules)
Between T-tubules - 2nd membrane system derived from SR
Forms membranous network around each myofibril allowing coordinated contraction
Describe contraction in skeletal muscle
Lack Ca - tropomyosin covers myosin binding sites on actin
Depolarisation - carried into muscle fibres via T-tubules
Ca release - from SR, binds to troponin causing conformational change and exposure of myosin binding head
Hydrolysis - myosin hydrolyses ATP changing shape of head, producing ATP + Pi
Contraction - myosin head binds to actin, pulls
Relaxation - myosin releases actin
What is a sarcomere?
Basic unit of muscle tissue of parallel interdigitating myosin (thick) and actin (thin) myofibrils
Runs from z-disk to z-disk
Contains titin a buffer of contraction to prevent over stretching
What are the two muscle fibre types?
Fast twitch and slow twitch
Average person will have 50/50
Sprinter more fast than slow
Marathon runner more slow than fast
What do chondro, osteo, blast, cyte mean?
Chondro: cartilage
Osteo: bone
Blast: immature
Cyte: mature
What is the role of CT?
- Binding and structural support
- Protection
- Energy storage (adipose)
- Insulation (adipose)
- Transportation (blood)
- Immunity (blood)
- Mineral storage (bone)
What is CT?
A primary tissue type: epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve
What are the 5 CTs?
- Fibrocollagenous tissues
- Adipose tissue
- Cartilage
- Bone
- Blood
What are the characteristics of CT?
Few cells compared to epithelia
Large amounts of ECM, usually made by its intrinsic cells
Common origin: mesenchyme cells
What are all cells of CT derived from?
Embryonic mesoderm
Some stem cells remain in adult (mesenchymal cells)
What are the 3 components of the ECM?
- Ground substance
- Structural glycoproteins
- Fibres
Describe the GS
Water/gel-like
Specific composition gives CT distinctive properties
Composed of polysaccharides +/- protein with water, solutes:
glycosaminoglycans: long, unbranded polysaccharide chains
proteoglycans: many GAGs linked to protein core
Describe the characteristics of GAGs and proteoglycans
-ve charge, open conformation retains water, +ve ions
hydrated gel which allows selective passage of molecules (nutrient diffusion)
Describe structural glycoproteins
Functional molecules
Abundant in living organisms
Many roles: linking, organising, catalysing
e.g. laminin, fibronectin (adhesion), fibrillin (elastic fibre formation), osteocalcin (bone mineralisation)
Describe the fibres of CT
Collagen and elastic fibres
Important for mechanic properties of CTs
Fibre precursors secreted by CT cells - fibres polymerise outside cell
Describe collagen fibres
Tensile strength, precursor tropocollagen
Many types (>19)
T1: thick bundles, very strong; dermis bone
T2: thin, interwoven fibres; cartilage
T3: delicate branching; reticulin fibres
T4: meshwork; basement membrane
Describe elastic fibres
Stretch and resilience, precursor tropoelastin
Elastic forms fibrils with fibrillin
arteries, skin, lung, cartilage
Describe fibrocollagenous tissues
Cell: fibroblast Roles: structural, supportive
Classed according to: amount, organisation, type of collagen
What are the 3 types of fibrocollagenous tissues?
Loose (areolar)
Dense
Reticular (loose but with T3)
Describe loose fibrocollagenous CT
Relative to GS relatively few fibres
Abundant viscous GS - hyaluronic acid (non-S GAG)
Organisation: little
T1 collagen with elastic fibres
Describe the cells and role of loose fibrocollagenous CT
Cells: fibroblasts, stem cells, adipocytes, defence immune cells
Role: physical, metabolic, defensive support
e.g. lamina propria: constituent of mucosa
Describe dense fibrocollagenous CT
Many fibres, little GS
Organisation: random (dense irregular), structure (dense regular)
T1 collagen, some elastic fibres
Describe the cells and role of dense fibrocollagenous CT
Cells: fibroblasts
Role: mechanical support, tensile strength
Irregular: dermis, capsules
Regular: tendon (M-B), ligament (B-B)
Describe reticular fibrocollagenous CT
Few fibres, little GS
Organisation: fine branching network
T3 collagen
Describe the cells and role of reticular fibrocollagenous CT
Cell: fibroblasts
Role: structural support in some highly cellular tissues
e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, liver, glands
Describe adipose tissue
Abundant adipocytes
Supporting loose CT (with fibroblasts)
Located beneath skin, around internal organs, bone marrow, breast issue
Compare the 2 types of adipose tissue
White vs brown
Unilocular (one space for lipid); multilocular
Adult; new born
Widespread; restricted
Energy store, shock absorber, insulator; heat source
-; rich in mitochondria
What is the function of cartilage?
Structural - solid but flexible, resists compression
What are the 3 types of cartilage?
Hyaline: most prevalent, many joint surfaces; T2
Elastic: outer ear, larynx; T2 and elastic
Fibrocartilage: T1 and T2, pubic symphysis
Describe the GS and cells of cartilage
GS: unique, proteoglycans containing chondroitin sulphate, keratan sulphate linked to fibres
Cells: chondroblasts form cartilage
Chondrocytes maintain cartilage
Describe the function of bone
Structural, shape, locomotion, supportive, protective, metabolic, synthetic
Highly organised and metabolically active
What is responsible for the hardness of bone?
Inorganic salts
Describe the ECM of bone
GS: osteoid (hard)
T1 - lamellae in mature bone
Mineralised (apatite crystals)
What cells are involved in bone CT?
Osteocytes: maintain bone
Osteoblasts: secrete osteoid form bone
Osteoclasts: resorb bone
What is the role of blood?
Metabolic support
Transport of molecules and cells to/from tissues
Defensive
Describe the ECM of blood
GS: fluid, plasma
Proteins: albumins, globulins, fibrinogen, regulatory proteins
Describe the cells in blood
Circulating blood cells formed in bone marrow: erythrocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, platelets
What are the common features of epithelial?
Closely apposed cells with little/no intercellular materials
Membranes and glands
Membranes: sheets of cells covering external surface or line internal - protective function
Glands: specialised for secretion; down growth into underlying CT connection to surface (exocrine) or to vascular (endocrine)
Supported by CT
No blood vessels within
Line wet cavities (except skin)
Describe the functions of epithelial
Protection, sensation, absorption, digestion, secretion, excretion, cleaning
What is the basal lamina?
Layer of epithelium that separates epithelial from underlying CT
What is the function and structure of the basal lamina?
Supportive functions
Proteoglycans and collagen T3,4
Epithelium and CT both contribute to formation
anchor down epithelium to its loose CT (in dermis)
How are epithelia classified?
Number/arrangement of cells: simple (single layer), stratified (multi)
Shape of cells: squamous (flattened), columnar (H>W), square
Describe simple epithelia
Single layer of cells, all rest on BM
Cells vary in shape from flattened to columnar according to function
Thin, little mechanical stress protection
May have specialisations such as microvilli or cilia
Describe where simple epithelia are found
Absorptive/secretory surfaces
Minimum barrier to diffusion required
Describe simple squamous epithelia
Single layer flattened cells
Line surfaces involved in transport of gases (alveoli), fluids (blood vessels)
Series body cavities
Describe simple cuboidal epithelia
Single layer square shaped cells
Line small ducts, tubules that have secretory/excretory/absorptive function
e.g. bile duct, medulla, salivary
Describe simple columnar epithelia
Similar to cuboidal expect taller, elongated nuclei at base of cell
Absorptive/secretory surfaces
e.g. SI, stomach
Describe stratified epithelia
2+ layers of cells
Protective function
Not suited to absorption/secretion due to thickness
Degree and nature of stratification depends on type of stress
Can be keratinised (skin resist friction, bacteria infection, waterproof)
What layer(s) of cell is used to define classification?
Only the surface layer
Describe stratified squamous cells
Several layers thick (skin)
Matures progressively from basal layer - has cuboidal cells until surface
Degenerates when reaches surface, sheds off
Withstand moderate abrasion but doesn’t cope with desiccation (cervix) unless keratinised (skin)
Describe stratified cuboidal epithelia
2/3 layers of cuboidal cells
Line larger excretory ducts - salivary, sweat, pancreas
No absorptive/secretory function but robust lining
Describe pseudo-stratified epithelia
All cells rest on BM but not all reach surface, nuclei at different levels giving appearance of stratified
Ciliated or non-ciliated
Describe transitional epithelium
Special from of stratified epithelium found in urinary tract Withstand toxicity of urine Accommodate distension (stretching) In relaxed state: 4/5 thick, cuboidal Stretched: 2/3 thick, flattened
Describe the structure of the mucous membrane
Composed of: epithelium, BM, lamina propria (loose CT), SM
Specialised cells: mucus secreting goblet cells, absorptive enterocytes
Describe the function and name the 2 types of glands
Epithelial structures which discharge secretory products
Composed of secretory portion and non-secretory portion
Exocrine: discharge via duct onto epithelia surface
Endocrine: secrete hormones directly into bloodstream, highly specialised
Describe the structure of exocrine glands
Excretory duct, secretory portion
Simple glands, few branches or compound, multiple branches
Secretory portions tubular or alveolar
What are the three types of exocrine secretory mechanism and secretions?
Mechanism: eccrine/merocrine, apocrine, holocrine
Secretions: mucous, serous (proteins/enzymes), sebum(lipids)
Describe the mechanism of eccrine secretion
Exocytosis
Secretory granules fuse to PM, secreted
e.g. eccrine sweat gland
Describe the apocrine secretion mechanism
Unbroken, membrane bound vesicles accumulate in apical cytoplasm, pinched off, cell loses part of PM
e.g. apocrine sweat gland (body odour)
Describe the holocrine secretion mechanism
Whole cell lysis, entire contents secreted, cells lost in process
e.g. sebaceous
Describe endocrine secretion
No duct
Supporting tissue thin, sparse (reticular CT) associated with rich blood supply
Cord and clump - most common
Follicle - thyroid
Describe chondroblasts
Immature
Form cartilage
Found in perichondrium fibrocollagenous tissue surrounding cartilage
Nutrient supply from outside
Describe chondrocytes
Mature
Maintain cartilage
Found in lacunae surrounded by cartilage
Describe hyaline cartilage
Found in trachea, bronchi, sternal ends of ribs, nasal septum, joints
Forms model template for long bone formation
Describe elastic cartilage
Similar to hyaline with large amounts of elastic fibres
Found in outer ear, epiglottis, larynx
Describe fibrocartilage
Alternating layers of cartilage matrix and collagen fibres - confers strength
Found in intervertebral disks, knee joint meniscus, symphysis pubis
Describe woven bone
Formed 1st after break/fracture
Mechanically weak
Random organisation of collagen
Describe lamellar bone
Mature - remodelled bone
Lamellae due to regular organisation of collagen
Mechanically strong
Compact or trabecular
Describe compact lamellar bone
Bony columns (osteons) with central Haversian canals, convey blood to surrounding osteocytes Forms cortical shell of most bones (shaft of long bone) Periosteum surrounds most of outer surfaces
Describe trabecular lamellar bone
Beams/spicules along lines of stress - strong but lightweight
No osteons: blood supply obtained from outer surfaces (surrounded by bone marrow)
Found in central medullary portions of most bones
Describe long bone structure
Proximal epiphysis
Metaphysis (epiphysis growth plate)
Diaphysis
Distal epiphysis
Describe an osteon
Lengthwise bony column in compact bone
Circular structure, run longitudinally with bone
Haversian canal carries bloody supply and nerves to osteocytes
Volkmann’s canal connect Harversian and periosteum (outer surface)
Lined by delicate tissue continuous with periosteum (endosteum) - inactive osteoblasts
Canaliculi: tiny canals that connect osteocytes to blood supply, allow communication, control osteoblasts
Describe the musculoskeletal wall of the thorax
Flexible
Consists of segmentally arranged vertebrae, ribs, muscles and the thernum
What are the three major compartments of the thoracic cavity?
Left pleural cavity
Right pleural cavity
Mediastinum
What is the thoracic cavity enclosed by?
Thoracic wall and diaphragm
What are the superior/inferior thoracic apertures?
Openings at top/bottom of thoracic cavity
Describe the superior thoracic cavity
Completely surrounded by skeletal elements
Body of vertebra T1 posteriorly
Medial margin of rib 1 each side
Manubrium anteriorly
What is the importance of the thoracic apertures?
Airtight to prevent O2 leakage
Describe the inferior thoracic aperture
Large, expandable
Margins made from bone, cartilage, ligaments
Closed by diaphragm
Passing structures pierce/pass posteriorly to diaphragm
What is the mediastinum?
Thick midline partition
Extends from sternum anteriorly to thoracic vertebrae posteriorly, from superior to inferior thoracic aperture
The pericardium and heart lie in which section of the mediastinum?
The middle
How do the lungs remain attached to the mediastinum?
Root formed by airways, pulmonary blood vessels, lymphatic tissues, nerves
What are the parietal and visceral pleura?
Parietal: pleura lining walls of cavity (outer layer)
Visceral: pleura lining surface of lungs (inner layer)
What lie in the intercostal spaces?
Filled by intercostal muscles
What is the role of the costal grove?
Provides protection for intercostal nerves, associated major arteries and veins
Which intercostal muscle is responsible for inspiration and which for expiration?
External intercostal muscle: inspiration
Internal intercostal muscle: expiration
What are bronchi?
Branches of the trachea which air enter and leaves lungs via
Describe the flow of blood to and from the lungs
Pulmonary arteries deliver deoxygenated blood to lungs from right ventricle
Oxygenated blood returns to left atrium via pulmonary veins
What is the hilum?
Point of entry and exit to lung
What is located within root and hilum of lung?
Pulmonary artery 2 pulmonary veins Main bronchus Bronchial vessels Nerves Lymphatics
Describe division of the trachea
2 bronchi - left and right Right is wider, smaller angle with trachea thus more likely to receive inhaled foreign bodies 4 lobar bronchi 16 segmental bronchi Small bronchi Terminal bronchioles Respiratory bronchioles Alveolar ducts
Describe the features of alveoli that make them efficient at gas exchange
Thin cell wall
RBCs in close contact
Define ventilation
Movement of air in/out of lungs (breathing)
What are the boundaries of the upper respiratory system?
Nasal cavity to start of oesophagus and trachea
Define inspiration and expiration
Inspiration: pressure around elastic alveoli made low by expanding chest
Expiration: pressure increased by decreasing size of chest, compressing gas in lungs
Describe the flow of air
Only flow from high pressure to low pressure
What do lung muscles control?
Diameter of airways
What muscles control respiration?
Respiratory muscles - generate pressure differences
In quiet breathing which process is the only active part?
Inspiration
Explain expiration in quiet breathing
Passive result of elastic recoil of lungs - pull lungs and diaphragm back to resting position
What is the diaphragm?
Major respiratory muscle (not essential however)
What nerves innervated the diaphragm?
Phrenic
Cause diaphragm to flatten, descend creating negative pressure, drawing air into chest
What is the role of the intercostal muscles?
2 movements: increase diameter of chest, draw air into lungs by reducing pressure
Stiffen chest during inspiration preventing it being sucked in
Describe the 2 movements of the external intercostals
Pump-handle: anterior end of each rib elevated
Bucket-handle: diameter of chest increases by rib on either side raised from horizontal position
What nerves innervated the inner and innermost intercostals?
Segmental
What happens when the inner intercostals contract?
Pull ribs down, reduce diameter of chest
Reinforce spaces between ribs to prevent chest from bulging out during expiration
When do abdominal muscles contribute to expiration?
Only during heavy exercise
How to the abdominal muscles contribute to expiration?
Squeeze contents of abdomen up against the diaphragm, force up chest thus expelling air
Define intrapleural pressure
Pressure in small amount of liquid between parietal and visceral pleurae
Usually negative with respect to atmosphere
How are the lungs expanded?
By creation of negative pressure outside inflating lungs
Describe the interaction between the lungs and chest wall
Chest wall elasticity causing to spring outwards, lungs causing to collapse thus are locked together and expand/contract as single unit
What happens to the lungs if the thorax is punctured?
Air enters pleural space, pressure will increase causing lungs to collapse
What are the elastic properties of lungs caused by?
Elastic fibres and collagen in tissues, surface tension caused by alveolar-liquid interface
What is lung compliance (CL)?
Measure of easily lungs can be stretched
What is the compliance equation?
Change in V/change in pressure
How can diseases effect compliance?
Kyohoscoliosis: progressive spine deformity
Emphysema: destruction of elastic fibres, collagen causing increased compliance but lungs don’t deflate as easily
Define airway resistance (Raw)
Resistance to the flow of gas within the airways of the lung
What are the 3 types of obstructive pulmonary disease?
Reversible: reduction of airway diameter due to contraction of SM or swelling due to inflammation - asthma (hyperplasia)
‘Chronic’: blocking of airways by secretions - bronchitis
Chronic: collapse due to disruption of supporting parenchyma - emphysema
What are the types of airway flow?
Laminar: parallel, orderly, streamlined
Turbulent: chaotic
What are the main sites of airway resistance?
Vocal cords of larynx, open during inspiration, close during expiration
Nose (inflammation, cold)
Reduced resistance through mouth (exercise)
Using Poiseuille’s law explain resistance in lower respiratory tract
Law predicts major resistance would occur in smaller radius
Although each airway is small there is large number; total cross-sectional area increases down tracheobronchial tree
Explain resistance in bronchi and bronchioles
Almost no cartilage, innervated by SM
Increase in number of airways not yet exerted effects, cross-sectional area relatively small
Variable, under influence of neuronal and hormonal factors
What are the 2 circulatory systems?
Pulmonary
Circulatory
Describe the systemic circulatory system
High pressure developed in systemic arterial system provides driving force to perfuse all body tissues (except lungs)
Pressure: 120/80mmHg
Describe the pulmonary circulatory system
Output of right side of heart
Serves low pressure pulmonary circuit (lungs)
Pressure: 20/8mmHg
What is unusual about the pulmonary artery?
Only artery in body to carry deoxygenated blood
Why is the pulmonary circulatory system low pressure?
As the membrane separating capillaries and alveoli is very thin
High pressure would rupture membrane causing fluid to leak into alveoli
Describe the relationship between trachea division and diameter
Each time trachea splits into 2 diameter rapidly increases
Pulmonary vessels also double up to supply greater number of alveoli
Compare the flow of systemic and pulmonary circulation
Pulmonary flow is much greater than systemic
What are the 2 respiratory functions of pulmonary circuit?
Re-oxygenate blood
Remove CO2
What are the non-respiratory functions of pulmonary circuit?
Aid lung fluid balance
Angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE): convert angiostensin 1 to 2
Supply nutrients to lung tissue, alveolar ducts and alveoli
Blood reservoir: imbalance in perfusion can be absorbed by pulmonary
What is the blood flow at rest in alveolar capillary and explain the length
0.8s - 3x longer than gaseous transfer
During exercise when flow rate increased can still completely re-oxygenate blood
What is the function of distension in pulmonary blood vessels?
Keeps pressure low when cardiac output increases without damaging tissue
What are the 2 mechanisms that can lower pulmonary blood pressure?
- Dilating (distending): small increase in diameter can dramatically reduce resistance
- Recruiting: opening of vessels that are normally closed
Both decrease pulmonary resistance when cardiac output increases
What can happen to pulmonary arteries if alveolar pressure increases too much?
Can increase resistance and reduce blood flow as alveoli inflated so much constrict capillaries
Explain the pressure change between pulmonary artery and capillary
Small change
As small change in venous pressure can make a considerable change to driving force
Explain the function of pulmonary circulation as a blood reservoir
As vessels highly compliant accommodate large blood volume serving as reservoir for left ventricle
Useful when left ventricular output exceeds venous return
Cardiac output can be increased rapidly by drawing upon reservoir without requiring instantaneous venous return
Describe the function of bronchial circulation
Part of systemic circulation that supplies structures of lung including upper respiratory tract
Doesn’t reach terminal or respiratory bronchioles/alveoli
What is a pulmonary embolism and how does it effect circulation?
Blockage of pulmonary circulation by embolus/clot
Whole cardiac output passes through lungs thus major obstruction to circulation
R ventricle not designed for high pressure, can’t sustain blood flow
Mismatch between ventilation and perfusion causes arterial hypoxia
Reduced filling of L, circulation fails
How is perfusion and ventilation matched?
Fraction of alveolar ventilation is matched to fraction of cardiac output per fusing that alveolus
What is the ideal ventilation/perfusion ratio of the lungs?
Between 0.8-1.0
How is distribution of blood flow affected in the lungs?
Gravity
Alveolar gas pressure
Hypoxia pulmonary vasoconstriction
In the systemic circulation what determines blood flow?
High resistance arterioles that regulate blood flow through capillary beds
Describe the effects of gravity on the upright lung
Ventilation: 2x greater in base than in apex
Perfusion: 4x greater in base than in apex
What is the effect of alveolar gas pressure on capillaries?
If BP less than alveolar gas pressure capillary will be compressed
Explain how hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction promotes optimum V/Q
Systemic arteries dilate in response to hypoxia - increasing O2 delivery
Arterioles in lung constrict - direct blood flow away from less ventilated areas, maintaining V/Q matching
Promotes optimum V/Q for whole lungs by increasing V/Q in areas where it is lower than normal
Describe the effect of Symp innervation on pulmonary vessels
Release NAdr acts on a1 and a2 receptors
a1: vasoconstriction
a2: vasodilation
Describe the effect of vestigial M3 receptors on pulmonary vessels
ACh acts on M3 causing release of NO via NO synthase resulting in vasodilation as NO activates guanylate cyclase producing more cGMP which phosphorylates myosin
What is minute ventilation? (VI)
Vol. of air passing through lungs each minute
On average how many breaths do we take a min and what is their vol.?
12 breaths/min, 0.5L
Define tidal volume (VT)
Vol. air displaced during normal (quiet) inhalation and exhalation
What is the net flow of tidal volume?
0
Vol. breathed out = vol. breathed in
What are inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume?
IVR: max. vol. inspired above VT (2/3L>VT)
EVR: max. vol. expired after VT expiration (1-1.5L>VT)
Define vital capacity (VC)
Total vol. air can be moved in 1 breath from full inspiration to full expiration
How is VC calculated?
VC = VT + IRV + ERV
What is functional residual capacity (FRC)?
Vol. air remaining in lungs after quiet expiration
Usually 3L
What is residual volume (RV)?
Vol. air remaining in lungs after full expiration
Cannot be expired
1.5L
What 3 factors influence static volumes?
Anatomy (size)
Elasticity of lungs, chest wall - exercise increases
Strength of respiratory muscles - exercise increases strength
What do changes in lung volume indicate?
Lung disease - early indicator
What is spirometry and what 2 things does it measure?
Most common pulmonary function test (PFT) measures lung function
Vol. and/or flow of air than can be in/exhaled
What is pulmonary ventilation?
Normal breathing
Air flowing into lungs during inspiration and out during exhalation
What 3 pressures are involved in pulmonary ventilation?
- Atmospheric
- Intra-alveolar
- Intrapleural
What is alveolar ventilation?
Vol. of gas per unit time that reaches alveoli and takes part in gaseous exchange
What is the importance of alveolar ventilation?
Insufficient ventilation (hypoventilation) and excess ventilation (hyperventilation) occur in many lung diseases
Define anatomical dead space
Vol. air in upper respiratory tract (mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi up to terminal bronchioles) that cannot be exchanged
Expired unchanged
What is alveolar dead space?
Vol. of air in alveolar with insufficient blood supply to effectively respire
Increases with age and disease
What is the physiological dead space?
Anatomical + alveolar dead space
What factors influence physiological dead space?
VL - determined by age, sex, training
Breathing pattern - high-freq. artificial respiration still ventilates alveoli
How is alveolar ventilation calculated?
(VT - anatomical dead space) * respiratory rate = alveolar ventilation L/min
What is the respiratory exchange ratio (respiratory quotient) (R)?
CO2 output/O2 uptake
What is the importance of the respiratory exchange ratio?
Estimate respiratory quotient (RQ) indicating which fuel (carbs/fat) supply body
If more O2 already present in molecule being oxidised then less has to be brought in thus fat diet R=1 as more O2 required
What factors can affect RQ?
Exercise: lactic acid in blood, forms carbonic acid with bicarbonate, liberates large vols. CO2 (high RQ)
Diabetes: poor metabolism of carbs, increases metabolism of fats (low RQ)
What are the 2 key tasks for the control of breathing?
- Establish automatic rhythm for contraction of respiratory muscles
- Adjust rhythm to accommodate:
metabolic (arterial blood gasses, pH), mechanical (postural changes),
non-ventilatory behaviours (sniffing, speaking)
What are the 3 centres of the pons?
- Pons
- Apneustic
- Pneumotaxic
What is the function of the pons?
Influence, modify activity of medullary centres
Smooth out inspiration, expiration transitions
Describe the function of the apneustic centre
Inspiratory cut-off info. from pneumotaxic centre and vagus integrated before projected onto DRG
What is the function of the pneumotaxic centre?
Act as cut-off neurons for inspiration
Stimulation causes earlier termination of inspiration, higher respiratory freq. reduced VT
Describe the dorsal respiratory group (DRG)
Located near root of nerve IX
Pacesetting respiratory centre by repetitive excitation/quiescence
Dormant during expiration
Input from apneustic centre, almost all peripheral afferents
Drives diaphragm, external intercostals, VRG neurons
Explain the sensitivity of chemoreceptors
Modify rate, depth of breathing to maintain arterial PaCO2 @ 40 mmHg
Sensitivity to changes in PaCO2 as O2 decreases more slowly in blood due to large reservoir attached to haemoglobin
What are the 2 types of chemoreceptors?
- Central
2. Peripheral
Describe central chemoreceptors
On ventral surface of medulla bathed in CSF
Respond to pH of CSF: CSF CO2 dissolves releasing H+ (via carbonic acid) which stimulates receptors causing increased depth, rate of breathing
Slightly responsive to increased PaCO2
Where are peripheral chemoreceptors found?
Carotid sinus
Aorta arch
Describe type 1 (glomus) chemoreceptors
Responsive to local changes in PO22, PCO2, pH
Prominent cytoplasmic granules
Associated with un/myelinated afferent fibres
Describe type 2 (sustenfacular) chemoreceptors
Interstitial cell wrapped around T1 and nerve endings
Function unclear
Explain how O2 can influence respiration
Substantial drop (<60mmHg) If CO2 not removed, chemoreceptors will become unresponsive to PCO2
Describe how pH can affect respiratory rate
Decreased pH, increases ventilation
Mediated by peripheral chemoreceptors
What are the 3 types of mechanoreceptors in lungs and airway?
Slowly adapting
Rapidly adapting
C-fibre endings
Describe pulmonary stretch receptors
In/close to SM of bronchial wall
Max. inflating of lung triggers reflex inhibiting inspiration thus limiting VT - important when central drive is increasing VT (exercise)
Increases respiration freq.
What are the 2 types of rapidly adapting stretch receptors (irritant receptors)?
Pulmonary C-fibres
Bronchial C-fibres
Describe pulmonary C-fibres
Present in walls of pulmonary capillaries
Sensitive to inflammation products - causes rapid shallow breathing
Sensitive to pulmonary vascular congestion + edema - causes dyspnea associated with LVF or severe exercise
Describe bronchial C-fibres
Present in conducting airways
Sensitive to inflammation products - causes bronchoconstriction and inc. airway vascular permeability
Stimulation causes hyperponea and reflex laryngeal constriction
What are the 2 examples of upper airway irritant receptors?
Nasal receptors
Pharyngeal and laryngeal receptors
Describe nasal receptors
Afferent pathway in trigeminal and olfactory nerves
Sneezing reflex
Diving reflex: water in nose causing, apnoea, laryngeal closure, bronchocontriction, bradycardia, vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle, kidney, skin
Describe pharyngeal and laryngeal receptors
Afferent pathway in laryngeal and glossopharyngeal nerves
Aspiration/sniff/swallowing reflexes
-be pressure induced abduction - ensure UAW patency during inspiration
Describe joint proprioceptors
Costovertebral joints contain mechanoreceptors sensitive to rib displacement
Sensation of dyspnoea arising from absence of chest movement when holding breath
Describe muscle stretch receptors
On stretching, discharge increases at rate dependant on rate of muscle movements
Responsible for increasing depth of breathing when made more difficult by inc. external elastic forces OR
resistance by breathing through narrow tube
What is a polymer and how are the made and broken down?
Long molecule consisting of many similar monomers
Built up in condensation reaction
Broken down by hydrolysis
What is the difference between nucleotides and nucleosides?
Nucleotides made of phosphate, sugar, base whereas nucleosides have no phosphate
What name is given to nucleotides with ribose or deoxyribose sugars?
Ribonucleotides
Deoxyribonucleotides
What are the 7 nitrogenous bases that can generate nucleosides?
3 purines: adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine
3 pyrimdines: cytosine, thymine, uracil
Nicotinamide
Describe the structure of purines
2 rings: 1 5 membered ring fused to 6 member ring
Describe the structure of pyrimdines
1 6 membered pyrimidine ring
How are nucleosides made and how can they form nucleotides?
Made by attaching base to a deoxy/ribose ring
Form nucleotides by phosphorylation with specific kinase
What are the 2 main roles of nucleotides?
- Short-term carriers of chemical energy (ATP)
2. Storage and retrieval of biological info. (nucleic acids - DNA)
What is Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (LNS) and what does it cause?
Inherited disease caused by deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase
Causes build up of uric acid in body fluids - sodium irate crystals form in joints, kidneys, CNS, tissues leading to gout-like swelling and severe kidney problems
What is the function of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase?
Salvages purines from degraded DNA for purine synthesis
What is gout?
Painful condition caused by deposition of uric acid as needle like crystals in joints and/or soft tissue
What is asthma?
Chronic disease of airways characterised by:
Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, nighttime/morning coughing
Widespread, variable airflow obstruction that is reversible either spontaneously or with treatment
Describe lung morphology in asthma
Bronchial inflammation
Oedema(build up of fluid), mucus plugging
Bronchospasm (sudden constriction)
Obstruction
Over inflation/Atelectasis (collapse of lung)
COPD
What 2 divisions is asthma separated into?
Extrinsic - antigen dependent
Intrinsic - exercise etc. (unclear)
Asthma is the interaction between what 3 components?
Cells: mast, eosinophils, macrophages
Mediators: histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines
Neuronal pathways: autonomic, sensory
Describe ParaNS innervation of the lungs
Muscarinic receptors
Bronchoconstriction
Inc. mucous secretions
Inc. ion transport
Describe SympNS innervation of the lungs
B2 receptors
Innervates blood vessels and glands NOT bronchial SM
Cause by circulating Adr (hormone), NAdr (NT)
Bronchodilation
Red. glandular secretions
Vasoconstriction
Describe non-adrenergic non-cholinergic innervation of the lungs
Mediator NO - bronchodilation
Describe sensory nerve innervation of the lungs
Non-myelinated C-fibres
Neurokinin A: bronchoconstriction
Substance P: inc. microvascular leakage/mucous secretion
Calcitonin gene-related peptide: vasodilation
Describe the activation of mast cells
- Directly activated by allergen cross link between 2 IgE receptors
- Rapid release of preformed and de novo mediators (histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, oxidants, cytokines)
- Brochoconstriction, vasodilation, oedema
Can also be triggered by cold air, osmolality changes, exercise