Unit 2 - Heritable Conditions, COVID-19 & COPD Flashcards
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
What is COPD?
The umbrella term attributed to conditions which affect the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Largely concerned with Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis and sometimes (though rarer) Asthma.
These issues with breathing are caused due to inflammation and obstruction of the airways due to inflammation, mucus build-up and other issues
Is COPD progressive?
Typically does progress and cause further breathing issues as the inflammation and mucus build-up in the airways also becomes worse
Explain the difference between external and internal respiration
- External: Gas exchange between the lungs and blood
- Internal: Gas exchange between systemic blood vessels and tissues
Describe the process by which inhalation occurs and how it is controlled
When we inhale, intercostal muscles contract, expanding the rib cage. Further increasing the size of the rib cage, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward. The effect of these muscle movements is that the thorax/chest cavity expands and the increase in volume lowers the air pressure inside. The lowered air pressure around the lungs causes outside air to be pulled into the lungs.
It is usually controlled subconsciously by the respiratory centre at the base/stem of the brain.
Why is the epiglottis an important structure for the protection of the lower respiratory tract?
Location is beneath the tongue at the back of the throat.
Its main function is to close over the windpipe/trachea while you’re eating to prevent food (and other liquids) entering your airway.
Explain the differences between passive exhalation and active exhalation.
Both processes are virtually the same however during active expiration/exhalation there is an increased amount of involvement from the internal intercostal muscles which contract and cause the ribcage inwards, forcefully removing air from the lungs.
What is the role of the alveoli?
Tiny air pockets/sacs at the end of the respiratory bronchi which is where the gas exchange between inhaled air and red blood cells occur
Define proning
Repositioning a patient to ‘prone’ lying position, on their front.
This is used on intensive care units as this position has been found to help ventilation.
Helps prevent fluid body within the body as it helps the removal of CO2 from the body.
Typically requires the assistance of 5 staff members.
What is the average resting systemic blood pressure (BP) for an adult?
120/80
What is meant by the term ‘peripheral resistance’?
The resistance of the arteries to blood flow
Describe how the velocity of blood flow changes as the blood travels through the systemic circulation, from the aorta, back to the vena cava.
- Blood pressure and velocity drops and then evens out as the blood enters the capillaries, which is when gas and nutrient exchange occurs. The pressure being higher at arterial end favours bulk flow OUT into the tissues.
- Blood pressure continues to drop but velocity increases as blood enters the venous system. Favours bulk flow INTO the capillaries and the increased velocity counteracts lack of pressure.
State if each of the following would result in an increase or a decrease in blood pressure:
- Vasoconstriction
- Dehydration
- High sodium intake
Vasoconstriction: Decreases
Dehydration: Decreases
High sodium intake: Increases
Blood returns via the venous system to the heart at very low pressure, and largely against gravity.
Describe 3 mechanisms that assist venous return.
- Movement/‘pumping’ of skeletal muscles
- One-way valves
- Negative pressure gradient in the thoracic cavity
How does hypertension affect blood flow through the capillaries?
Your blood travels through blood vessels with more force than is considered healthy.
When blood pressure is high, it can damage artery and blood vessel walls over time.
