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ABPI Unit Two > Unit 2.3 The Respiratory System > Flashcards

Unit 2.3 The Respiratory System Flashcards

1
Q

What is the function of the respiratory system?

A

It is to provide the body with he oxygen needed to carry out cellular respiration which maintains life.
The oxygen is taken from the air we breathe into our respiratory system and the CO2 is passed into the air we breathe out.

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2
Q

What does the respiratory system remove from the body.

A

It removes CO2 a poisonous waste product of respiration in cells.

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3
Q

The respiratory system have several different regions -what happens in the upper respiratory tract?

A

The upper respiratory tract is where air is taken into the body and warmed, moistened and filtered before it is passed into the lower respiratory.

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4
Q

What happens when the air is passed into the lower respiratory tract?

A

At this point in the lungs, the air comes into close contact with the capillary system of the pulmonary circulation and gas exchange occurs. oxygen moves from the air into the blood and co2 moves from the blood into the lungs.

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5
Q

What does the upper respiratory tract consist of?

A

The nose, pharynx, larynx and trachea.

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6
Q

What is the function of the upper respiratory tract?

A

The function of this part of the respiratory system is to transport the air from outside the body into the lower respiratory system.

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7
Q

What do the hairs at the entrance of the nostrils do?

A

They trap large particles of foreign material breathed in.

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8
Q

What does the rest of the nasal cavity do?

A

It has a large surface area lined with a mucous membrane which moistens and warm the air - the sticky mucus also traps particles including bacteria and viruses, smoke and dust.

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9
Q

What does the pharynx (throat) provide?

A

The pharynx provides a common passage to both the oesophagus and the trachea from the back of the nose.

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10
Q

What is the mechanism to prevent food going down into the lungs.

A

Epiglottis.

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11
Q

Where does the mucous membrane extend to?

A

The mucous membrane in the nasal cavity extends into the pharynx continuing the filtering process.

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12
Q

Where is lymph tissue present?

A

Lymph tissue is also present in the tonsils and lymph glands of the neck to provide defence against bacteria

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13
Q

What is the larynx?

A

The voice box/ Adams apple - it is the channel between the pharynx and trachea and helps you speak.

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14
Q

How do you speak?

A

As air flow from the lungs, the vocal cords close together and vibrate, creating sounds which you then shape into words using your palate, tongue, teeth and lips.

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15
Q

What is the trachea made up of?

A

The trachea is a tube made up of a smooth muscle and incomplete rings of cartilage for support, these are incomplete so food can be swallowed in the oesophagus as a complete ring of cartilage would obstruct the oesophagus.

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16
Q

What does the trachea pass down and divide into?

A

The trachea passes down the neck into the chest until it divides to form the right bronchus and left bronchus (Bronchi).

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17
Q

What is the trachea lined with? What is their function?

A

The trachea is lined with mucus secreting goblet cells and ciliated epithelium - the mucus traps the dust, dirt and pathogens from the air while the cilia beat and move the mucus including dust and pathogens away from the lungs.

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18
Q

What happens in the lower respiratory tract?

A

This is where the filtered, warm and moist air can begin its critical job of providing oxygen to and removing waste from the body.

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19
Q

At its lower end the trachea divides into 2 branches, the right and left bronchi which enter their respective lungs, structurally very similar to the trachea - the bronchi then divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles what is the structure of the bronchioles?

A

The bronchioles are much smaller tubes and do not have cartilage rings around them, they contain smooth muscle meaning they can dilate and constrict in response to environmental factors such as temperature of the air.

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20
Q

The bronchioles divide repeatedly to form a network of tiny tubules. What is at the end of the bronchioles?

A

The bronchioles end in the alveoli.

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21
Q

What is the structure of each alveolus?

A

Each alveolus is a tiny air sac with thin walls of flattened epithelial cells. They have a huge total surface area - flattened out would covered 20 table tennis tables. They are surrounded by a network of blood capillaries so that the distance for gasses to diffuse between the air in the alveoli and the blood is as short as possible.

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22
Q

How does the body maintain a steep concentration gradient between the alveoli and the blood in the capillaries in terms of oxygen in CO2?

A

By moving the air in and out of the lungs and keeping the blood circulating.

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23
Q

The alveoli and connecting bronchioles make up the structure of the lungs, spongy organs contained within what?

A

The rib cage to protect them from damage.

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24
Q

The lung are divided into a number of lobes, how many in each lung?

A

The right lung has three lobes and the left lung has two lobes.

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25
What is each lung surrounded by what membrane?
Each lung is surrounded by the pleural membranes which have fluid between the 2 layers and high slide easily over each other to reduce friction in the thorax (chest cavity).
26
What are the muscles between the ribs?
The Intercostal muscles which are important for breathing.
27
What is across the base of the chest cavity?
The diaphragm - a muscular sheet which is domed in shape when it is relaxed.
28
What is the mixture of gases which make up the air we inhale?
78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide
29
In the alveoli of the lungs, some of the oxygen is removed and more carbon dioxide is added in the process of gas exchange- as a result what is the percentage of gasses we exhale?
17% oxygen and 4% co2 - the air we exhale also contains a lot more water vapour which evaporate from the respiratory surfaces.
30
Breathing or ventilation of the lungs brought about by the movement of what?
Brought about by the movements of the ribcage and muscular diaphragm.
31
What are the 2 sets of intercostal muscles involved in moving the ribs called?
The internal intercostal muscles and the external intercostal muscles.
32
What 2 actions does normal breathing consist of?
Normal breathing consists of active breathing in, inspiration, followed by passive breathing out, expiration.
33
What state are the internal and external intercostal muscles and diaphragm in when you breathe in?
The internal intercostals are relaxed but the external intercostals contract, pulling the ribs upwards. the diaphragm muscles contract, flattening the diaphragm from its normal domed shape.
34
What happens to the thorax when you breathe in?
the volume in the thorax increases and pressure inside the thorax becomes lower than the pressure of air outside the body, as a result air moves into the lungs pushed in by atmospheric pressure down the pressure gradient - this is inspiration.
35
What happens when you breath deeply, either voluntarily or during exercise?
the external intercostal muscles contract more powerfully and the ribs are lifted further up and out - the increases the volume of the chest cavity even more, lowering the pressure so more air is forced into the lungs .
36
What type of process is inspiration?
Inspiration always involves muscle contractions so it is an active process using energy from respiration.
37
What type of process of normal expiration?
It is a passive process.
38
What state are the internal and external intercostal muscles and diaphragm in when you breathe out?
The internal intercostals are relaxed, the external intercostal muscles that have moved the ribs up and out are also relaxed. when the intercostal muscles relax, the ribs drop down and in again under gravity, it uses no energy. when the diaphragm relaxes, it curves back up into the thorax resuming its domed shape
39
What happened to the thorax when you breathe out?
The volume of the thorax becomes smaller again this increases the pressure inside the chest so the air is squeezed and forced out of the lungs
40
What type of process is expiration when you force the air out of the lungs?
In deep breathing expiration is active - the external intercostal muscles relax and the internal intercostal muscles contract pulling the ribs down and in hard and fast -this reduces the chest volume more than in passive exhalation increasing the pressure considerably and forcing more air out of the lungs. The contraction of the internal intercostals use energy from respiration so it is active exhalation.
41
Summary: what happens during inspiration?
External intercostal muscles contract to move the ribcage up and out, the diaphragm flatters and lowers and the volume of the chest cavity increases so the air pressure in the chest decreases - air flows into the lungs because there is a higher atmospheric pressure outside the lungs causing the air to be drawn into the lungs to equalise the difference.
42
Summary: what happens in passive expiration (shallow breathing):
The external intercostal muscles relax and the ribs drop down and in under gravity, the diaphragm relaxes and domes upwards, the volume of the chest cavity decreases so the internal pressure increases air moves out of the lungs, a passive process. - air moves out of the lungs because higher air pressure in lungs causes air ti be forced out of the lungs to equalise the difference.
43
Summary: what happens in active expiration (deep breathing):
The external intercostal muscle and the diaphragm relax and the diaphragm domes upward, the internal intercostal muscles contract and force the ribs down and in hard and fast, the volume of the chest cavity decreases so the internal pressure decreases air moves out the the lungs, an active process.
44
The basic process of breathing in and out is a reflex reaction which involves no conscious thought. This means you continue breathing water you are doing - even sleeping. Where does this basic control come from?
This basic control comes from centres in the brain - the medulla and the pons
45
What is monitored in order to increase or decrease the rate and depth of breathing?
In order to increase or decrease rate and depth of breathing, sensors around the body monitor pH and carbon dioxide concentration. Levels of oxygen are not involved in stimulating you to breath.
46
The respiratory centre in the brain which controls your breathing is located in an area called what?
The medulla oblongata.
47
What is the medulla oblongata responsible for?
This area is responsible for the automatic control of breathing brought about by the nervous control of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
48
In the medulla, what are the two subsystems called?
The inspiratory centre and the expiratory centre.
49
There are 3 sets of blood chemoreceptors in the medulla itself, what are these?
The carotid bodies and the aortic body.
50
What are the chemoreceptors highly sensitive to?
They are all highly sensitive to rises or falls in the co2 and pH levels of the blood. The respiratory centre itself is extremely sensitive to the pH of the blood.
51
What is the acid product of metabolism?
Carbon dioxide
52
During heavy exercise, Co2 build up in the blood causing what?
Acidosis.
53
What is the response to acidosis?
The drop in pH is identified in the respiratory centre which then stimulates the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to increase the rate and depth of breathing which forces more air per min out, carrying more Co2 with it. This decreases the amount of carbonic acid which returns the blood pH to the normal range.
54
What happens when blood becomes slightly alkaline?
Breathing will become slower and shallower - slower breathing allows Co2 to accumulate in the blood and brings pH back into normal range.
55
Indeed, control of breathing during rest is aimed primarily at regulating what?
The pH (hydrogen ion concentration) in the brain.
56
What type of breathing can dramatically change the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and may cause problems?
Extremely slow or shallow breathing (Hypoventilation) or fast, deep breathing (hyperventilation) can dramatically change the Co2 levels in the blood and many cause problems.
57
What volume of air can the lungs hold?
Around 5 -5.5 litres.
58
In normal quite breathing what volume is breathing in and out of the lungs?
About 10% of 5 litres, 0.5l or 500cm3
59
What is the normal volume breathed in and out called?
The resting tidal volume.
60
What is the inspiratory reserve?
The extra volume of air that can be forcibly breathed in at the end of normal inspiration (around 2 litres)
61
What is the expiratory reserve?
The extra volume of air that can be forcibly expired at the end of normal expiration (about 1.5 litres)
62
What is the residual volume?
The volume of air that remains in the lungs even after forced expiration (about 1.5 litres)
63
What is the vital capacity?
The total amount of air breathed with both forced inspiration and expiration (around 4 litres)
64
What is the FEVI?
This is the forced Expiratory Volume and is the proportion of the vital capacity that can be breathed out in 1 second (approximately 75% of the vital capacity)
65
What is the Peak expiratory flow?
A measure of how rapidly air can be blown out of the lungs (litres/minuet)
66
Where does gaseous exchange take place?
Gaseous exchange take place in the alveoli of the lungs.
67
How does oxygen move from the air into the blood?
Oxygen moves from the air into the blood by diffusion down a concentration gradient.
68
How does CO2 leave the blood?
The waste product of cellular respiration leaves the blood and moves into the air in the alveoli by diffusion.
69
How does inspired oxygen get transported to the cells of the body where it will be used in respiration?
Oxygen rich blood leaves the lungs and enters the left hand side of the heart - it is then pumped out around the body, through arteries, into smaller arterioles and finally into capillaries. The capillaries are tiny blood vessels running close to every cell in the body, oxygen is released from the oxyhemoglobin in the red blood cells in the capillaries and diffuses down a concentration gradient into the cells.
70
How is are the waste products such as carbon dioxide removed from the cells and returned to the lungs to be expired?
Carbon dioxide and other waste products diffuse down a concentration gradient from the cell into the plasma, the deoxygenated blood is returned via veins on the right hand side of the heart and then pumped back to the lungs. In the lungs more gaseous exchange take place in the alveoli producing more oxygenated blood to be carried around the body.
71
How does gas exchange take place in the cell?
Gas exchange in the cell takes place by diffusion down concentration gradients.
72
What is the process of cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the process by which digested food molecules - usually glucose - are broken down using oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water as waste products and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is broken down to provide the energy needed to drive metabolic reactions in the cell.
73
What is the chemical process of cellular respiration?
glucose (C6H12C6) + oxygen(6O2) = carbon dioxide (6CO2) + water (6H2O) + ATP
74
The respiratory system supplies and removes what?
The respiratory system supplies the oxygen needed fr cellular respiration and removes the poisonous carbon dioxide as waste.
75
Chronic problems associated with the respiratory system my causes lasting damage, these include asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - what conditions are referred to as COPD?
Conditions referred to as COPD include chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
76
What is asthma?
Asthma is a pulmonary disease which affects the airways of the respiratory system - the smooth muscle lining of the bronchi and bronchioles contracts so the tubes become narrower, making it harder to get air out of the lungs. The lining of the tubes also becomes inflamed, swells and produces more mucus, making it difficult to inhale.
77
What can trigger asthma attacks?
Asthma attacks can be triggered by a range of things from pollen or house dust mite faeces, to cold air, exercise or food allergies. Smoking increases the risk of asthma.
78
What are the symptoms of asthma?
The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, a cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath - asthma attacks can be relatively mild or so severe that the patient dies.
79
What is thought to cause asthma?
- Asthma can be inherited. - Many aspects of modern lifestyles, such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment may have contributed to the rise in asthma. - Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of a child developing asthma. - Environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse but has also proven to actually cause asthma. - Late onset asthma may develop after a viral infection. - Irritants round in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma.
80
What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the membrane lining the bronchi, which may be acute or chronic.
81
What is bronchitis associated with?
Varying degrees of sputum production and coughing.
82
What is acute bronchitis usually caused by?
A bacterial or viral infection.
83
When does chronic bronchitis usually develop?
Chronic bronchitis usually develops in response to a factor such as smoking.
84
What is the condition emphysema?
When the structure of the alveoli breaks down to form larger air spaces but with reduced total surface area.
85
What does emphysema mean for the patient?
This means less gas exchnage can take place and the patient will often be breathless and may need additional oxygen.
86
What has been identified as the main cause of emphysema?
Smoking, although repeated infectious or chronic bronchitis can also be the cause.
87
What is the common cold (acute coryza)?
An acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract causing a number of symptoms including headache, sneezing and rhinitis (watery nasal discharge).
88
What causes Hay fever?
Hay fever is a seasonal condition which results from an allergic reaction of the respiratory tract to pollen and spores, more accurately called seasonal allergic rhinitis and is particularly common in the summer months.
89
In some people hay fever like symptoms occur all year round, what is this called?
Perennial rhinitis.
90
What and where is pneumonia found?
Pneumonia is inflammation in the lowest areas of the respiratory tract in the bronchial tree, particularly the terminal bronchioles and alveoli.
91
What causes pneumonia?
A number of pathogenic microorganisms, both bacteria and viruses as well as some toxic substances can cause pneumonia.
92
Who is pneumonia serious is?
It is particular serious in the very young, very old or very weak or those who already have another serious condition as HIV/AIDs. It can be fatal if untreated or if it is caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. §
93
Asthma cannot be cured so which two different approaches do treatments take?
They may relieve the symptoms once an attack is under way or they may reduce the frequency, severity and length of asthma attacks.
94
What do bronchodilators do?
Bronchodilators are relievers, medicines that relax and open up the airways making it easier to breathe. Usually delivered through an inhaler.
95
When are bronchodilators prescribed?
These are prescribed for the relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma attach when the airways have narrow and peak flow readings are low, they can also be used before exercise or activity to reduce the risk of an attack.
96
Because bronchodilators do not reduce swelling and inflammation of airways, patients may also need to take another medicine called?
A preventer ( corticosteroids)
97
What are rescue relievers?
Relievers that alleviate symptoms almost instantly.
98
What are long last relievers?
Relievers that have a longer lasting action, which may be prescribed if wheezing, breathing difficulties and coughing persist despite using a preventer and race reliever, or if symptoms come on in the night (nocturnal asthma).
99
What do corticosteroids (preventers) do?
Medicines designed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways and reduce the production of mucus, also reduces the sensitivity of the airways to triggers and so helps prevent asthma attacks.
100
How long does it take for the protective effect of corticosteroids to build up gradually over?
The protective effect is built up gradually over a period of about a fortnight.
101
How should corticosteroids be taken?
Must be taken daily to maintain protection even if the patient is not experiencing symptoms.
102
What is the alternative to corticosteroids for children?
There are other non-steroid preventers usually used for children, they are usually taken three to four times a day and are not generally as effective as steroids.
103
What may be useful in managing some types of chronic asthma?
Leukotriene antagonists.
104
What is a key risk factor of chronic bronchitis and emphysema (examples of COPD)? What can help people stop?
Smoking. Nicotine (in the form of tablets, gum, patches and electronic cigarettes) may help people stop smoking by reducing the craving sensation.
105
What can constructive symptoms of COPD be relieved by?
Like asthma therapy, short acting bronchodilators or short acting anti muscarine bronchodilators,
106
What do suffers of chronic constructive symptoms of COPD use?
Long acting bronchodilators, long acting anti muscarinic bronchodilators or xanthine inhibitors. Steroids may also be useful.
107
What do cough suppressants do?
Cough suppressants either act locally in the throat to reduce irritation or decrease the sensitivity of the cough centre - they are often of limited value.
108
What do antihistamines do?
Antihistamines interfere with the production release or distribution of histamines which are involved in the allergic response of the body and cause inflammation of tissue - oral antihistamines are used to treat allergies such as hay fever.

ABPI Unit Two (7 decks)

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