#7 Atherosclerosis and Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the main purposes of respiration?
To oxygenate blood, remove CO₂, regulate blood pH, and facilitate gas exchange in alveoli.
What happens to gas exchange in disease?
Membrane thickness may increase, surface area may decrease, and partial pressure gradients can be altered.
What happens during inspiration?
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, expanding the thoracic cavity, lowering pressure, and drawing air in.
What happens during exhalation?
The diaphragm relaxes, pressure increases, and air is pushed out.
What is asthma?
A chronic inflammatory disease causing airway hyperreactivity, mucus hypersecretion, and variable airflow obstruction.
Where does gas exchange occur?
In the alveoli and terminal respiratory bronchioles via diffusion.
What is FEV1 and FVC in spirometry?
FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC = total air exhaled after full inhalation.
What does a peak expiratory flow (PEF) test measure?
Maximum airflow speed, useful for assessing airway obstruction.
What structural features aid diffusion?
Thin respiratory membrane, large surface area, lipid solubility of gases, and partial pressure gradients.
What are accessory muscles used for in breathing?
They assist during respiratory distress.
What are common asthma symptoms?
Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
What are the two main types of asthma?
Intrinsic (triggered by infections, cold air, smoke) and Extrinsic (allergic, immune-mediated).
What immune cells play a role in asthma?
Th2, Th17, IgE-producing B cells, mast cells (histamine), and eosinophils (toxic proteins).
What tests help diagnose asthma?
Spirometry, FeNO measurement, drug response to beta-agonists, and allergy tests.
What are key asthma triggers?
Smoke, allergens (pollen, pets), cold air, exercise, and infections.
What is FeNO and why is it measured?
Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, elevated in eosinophilic inflammation, helping diagnose asthma.
What is airway remodeling in asthma?
Long-term changes in airway structure due to chronic inflammation, leading to fibrosis and irreversible narrowing.
What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), leading to heart attacks.
What happens in a Type I hypersensitivity reaction?
Allergens stimulate IgE production, which binds to mast cells, triggering inflammation upon re-exposure.
How do mast cells contribute to allergic asthma?
They release histamines and inflammatory mediators, causing bronchoconstriction.
What immune response is involved in allergic asthma?
Type I hypersensitivity mediated by IgE, mast cell activation, and histamine release.
What are major risk factors for atherosclerosis?
High LDL cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and lack of exercise.
What is the difference between the immediate and late-phase hypersensitivity response?
Immediate (minutes) = mast cells release histamine → bronchoconstriction.
Late-phase (2-4 hours) = cytokine release → sustained inflammation, epithelial damage.
How does atherosclerosis develop?
Endothelial damage → LDL oxidation → immune response → foam cell formation → plaque growth → artery narrowing or rupture.
