Respiratory System Overview Flashcards
What are the 2 main components of the respiratory system?
- Ventilation
- airway patency
- active muscles - Gas exchange
- adequate number of alveoli
- no fibrosis of alveolar wall
What does a lighter colour mean in a radiograph of the lungs?
Fluid build up
Where will fluid build up occur first in the lungs in an upright patient?
Costal Frenic angles
How many lobes does each lung have?
Left lung: 2 loves
- superior
- inferior
Right lung:
- superior
- middle
- inferior
What procedure can be performed on the lungs to remove a tumour without compromising the entire lung?
Lobectomy
What is the function of the ribs?
Change intra thoracic volume
What group of muscles are involved in ventilation?
Intercostal muscles
What muscles can act as accessory muscles for ventilation?
Pectoralis (major and minor)
Sternomastoid
Note: it is necessary to fix the position of arms for this
What is type 2 respiratory failure?
When ventilation is inadequate to deliver enough oxygen to the blood
Name a disease that destroys the alveoli
Emphysema
What is the limiting factor affecting gas exchange when ventilation is adequate?
Ability of alveoli to get O2 into the blood and CO2 out of the blood
Name 3 reasons that effect the ability of alveoli to function properly
- thickening of alveolar wall
- makes diffusion harder - Inadequate number of alveoli (emphysema)
- V-Q mismatch
- mismatch between where air goes into the lungs and where blood goes into the lungs
What is V-Q mismatch?
Mismatch between where air goes into the lungs and where blood goes into the lungs
What is type 1 respiratory failure?
Gas exchange failure
List 5 common respiratory symptoms
- cough
- dry, sputum (colour?), blood - Wheeze - expiratory noise
- Stridor - inspiratory noise
- Dyspnoea (distress on effort)
- Pain - general/inspiratory
