Body Systems: Respiratory System (Breathing Disorders)

Question 1

Disorders of the respiratory system:

Answer 1

All respiratory disorders decrease O2 delivery to tissues.
-Laryngitis.
-Pneumonia.
-Bronchitis.
-Emphysema.
-Asthma.
-Cystic fibrosis.
-Lung cancer.

Question 2

Laryngitis:

Answer 2

Inflammation of the larynx due to viral infection, or over straining your voice.
-Vocal cords can no longer vibrate together.
-Hoarse voice or no voice.
-Infections can spread to the pharynx (pharyngitis) or the sinuses (sinusitis).

Question 3

Pneumonia:

Answer 3

A disease that occurs when the alveoli in the lungs become inflamed and fill with liquids.
-Interferes with gas exchange.
-Caused by bacteria or virus.
-Symptoms: Depends on infection site, fever, chills, sputum, chest pain.

Question 4

Bronchitis:

Answer 4

Bronchi become inflamed and filled with mucus, which is expelled by coughing.
-Narrowing of air passages = harder to breath.
-Acute —> due to bacterial infection.
-Chronic —> regular exposure to irritants/foreign bodies can damage cilia (smoking).

Question 5

Emphysema:

Answer 5

An obstructive respiratory disorder in which the walls of the alveoli lose elasticity.
-Exhalation becomes difficult due to loss of elasticity.
-Almost all cases caused by smoking.

Question 6

Asthma:

Answer 6

Constant inflammation in airways.
-Triggers = pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, air pollutants.
-Asthma attack = bronchi and bronchioles swell, the bronchial muscles tighten, and mucus production increases.
-Obstructed airways —> difficult or impossible to breathe.

Question 7

Cystic fibrosis:

Answer 7

A series genetic condition that affects the lungs caused by an abnormal gene that disrupts the function of the cells lining the passageways of the lungs.
-Causes thick and sticky mucus.
-Thick mucus traps pathogens but they cannot be expelled = repeated infections and trouble breathing.

Question 8

Cancer:

Answer 8

Lung cancer: uncontrolled and invasive growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.
-Tumors reduce the surface available for gas exchange and may stop air from entering the bronchioles.
-Caused by carcinogens (cancer causing agents) —> tobacco smoke.

Question 9

What is sputum?

Answer 9

A mixture of saliva and mucous.