UNIT 4: LO2 (Respiratory System)

Question 1

What is the role of the pleural membranes?

Answer 1

• Produce lubricating serous fluid that fills the area between the layers of pleura
• Pleural fluid lubricates pleural surfaces and allows the layers of pleura to slide against each other easily during respiration
• Pleural fluid between layers provides surface tension that keeps the lungs surface in contact with chest wall

Question 2

What is the trachea?

Answer 2

Also known as the wind pipe, starts at back of throat.

Question 3

What is are the bronchus?

Answer 3

Two of them (bronchi) that split from the trachea.

Question 4

What is the epiglottis?

Answer 4

Flap that protects the trachea and closes when swallowing.

Question 5

What are the bronchioles?

Answer 5

Tiny branches that spread all through lungs.

Question 6

What is the larynx?

Answer 6

Voice box.

Question 7

What are the alveoli?

Answer 7

Tiny balloon like sacs.

Question 8

How is the alveoli adapted for efficient gas exchange?

Answer 8

• Large SA
• Thin walls (one cell thick) - shorter distance and quicker to travel for diffusion
• Network of capillaries surrounding - enables gases to pass almost directly between lungs and bloodstream
• Vast amount of air sacs (folds) - large SA for particles to diffuse through
• Inner layers moist - oxygen can dissolve in water and diffuse through walls of alveoli and capillaries

Question 9

What is the role of the diaphragm?

Answer 9

To carry out expiration, brains stops sending signals to ribs and diaphragm so stops contracting. Coils upwards into domed position and ribcage drops back and downwards - decreases volume of lungs and air pressure increases above pressure of atmospheric air so air is forced out

Question 10

What is asthma?

Answer 10

Condition where airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe

Question 11

How can asthma be treated?

Answer 11

• Inhalers - reliver and preventer
• Steroid injections
• Spacer and nebuliser - get drugs deeper

Question 12

What is emphysema, and causes and symptoms?

Answer 12

• Condition where alveoli become damaged
• Caused by smoking, exposure to second hand smoke or fumes/dust
• Shortness of breath, coughing/wheezing
• Tight chest

Question 13

How is emphysema monitored and treated?

Answer 13

Monitored:
- X-ray
- Atrial blood gas analysis - measures amount of atrial gases
Treatment:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Inhalers
- Lifestyle changes
- Oxygen therapy

Question 14

What is cystic fibrosis?

Answer 14

Genetic condition caused by faulty gene that affects movement of salt and water in and out of cells

Question 15

What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 15

• Reoccurring chest infection
• Wheezing
• Jaundice
• Poo problems
• Difficulty losing and putting on weight

Question 16

What is the monitoring and treatment cystic fibrosis?

Answer 16

Monitoring:
- Sweat test - measure salt
- Genetic test - blood or salvia to see what faulty gene is that caused condition
Treatment:
- Antibiotics - for chest infections
- Medication - widen airways, reduce inflammation
- Lung transplant
- Oxygen therapy

Question 16

What is the formula for aerobic respiration?

Answer 16

Glucose + oxygen —> carbon dioxide + water + ATP energy

Question 17

What is the formula for anaerobic respiration?

Answer 17

Glucose —> ATP + lactic acid

Question 18

What happens in oxygen debt and why?

Answer 18

• Breathing rate increases
• Deeper breathing
• Heart rate increases
  More oxygen is transported around body