Case 5 Flashcards
(141 cards)
Compensating organ response to increased pCO2 as a result of hypoventilation in COPD
Kidney retains HCO3- (slow response - hours/days)
Compensating organ response to decreased pCO2 as a result of a panic attack (hyperventilation)
Kidneys decrease retention of HCO3- in the tubules.
Compensating organ response to decreased HCO3- and increased CO2 in metabolic acidosis (e.g. DKA)
Hyperventilation by lungs, to drive off CO2
Compensating organ response to metabolic acidosis due to severe vomiting
Hypoventilation to reduce loss of CO2
Inspiration
Contraction of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles. Increased volume of thorax Decreased intrapleural pressure Draws air into lungs Decreased pressure in alveoli Therefore, expansion of alveoli
Expiration
Relaxation of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles Decreased volume of thorax Increased intrapleural pressure Forces air out of lungs Increased pressure in alveoli Therefore, recoil of alveoli
Compliance
Ease at which the chest volume can be changed
Elastic recoil
Ability of the lungs to recover their original shape after stretching
What is the function of lung surfactant?
Since alveoli have a small radius and moist walls, surface tension can be generated causing walls to collapse.
Lung surfactant forms a fluid layer that lines the alveoli, decreasing surface tension and preventing collapse of alveoli. Therefore, increased compliance of lungs.
Lung surfactant is secreted by…
Type II epithelial cells
Factors which affect lung compliance
Elasticity of lung tissue (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis decreases compliance)
Obesity (reduces contraction of diaphragm)
Pulmonary blood flow
Bronchial smooth muscle tone
Changes in bone structure around lungs (e.g. rub fracture)
Maximum airway resistance in the respiratory tract
Segmental bronchi - airflow is high but cross sectional area is low
Factors affecting airway resistance
Radius of airway
Flow pattern - laminar or turbulent (mucus will cause turbulent flow)
Obstruction (e.g. tumor, inhaled particle)
Viscosity and density of gas mixture
FEV1
Volume of air forcefully exhaled in 1 second
FVC
Volume of air that can be maximally forcefully exhaled
Silicosis
Caused by inhalation of silicon dioxide.
Toxic to macrophages
Readily initiates fibrosis (may also have some streaks of calcification around hilar lymph nodes)
Asbestosis
Fibrosis caused by asbestos
Other symptoms: clubbing, inspiratory crackles
Mesothelioma of the lung
Commonly presents as pleural effusion with chest wall pain
Also caused by asbestos
Pneumoconiosis
Dust particles retained in small airways and alveoli. Common in coal workers. Has an immediate fibrogenic effect.
Pulmonary fibrosis on an X-ray
Reticular (net-like) shadowing of lung peripheries, typically more prominent towards lung bases.
Contours of the heart less distinct (‘shaggy’)
Later becomes more widespread, leading to lung volume loss.
Production of mucus in the lungs…
Goblet cells in epithelium of respiratory tract
Function of mucus in the lungs
Trap inhaled particles, preventing them from entering the lungs. Combination of mucus and inhaled particles can be swallowed.
Area of greatest ventilation in the lungs
Apex - since intrapleural pressure is greater here.
Area of greatest perfusion in the lungs
Base - since blood pressure is greatest here.