Respiratory Flashcards
(78 cards)
Upper respiratory system is composed of?
- nose - sinuses - pharynx - larynx - trachea
Components of the conducting zone
- nasopharynx - oropharynx - larynx - trachea - left and right bronchus - secondary bronchi - tertiary bronchi - bronchioles - terminal bronchioles - respiratory bronchioles
Most common upper respiratory disorders
- viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (common cold) - influenza (the flu) - can lead to pneumonia, sinusitis and middle ear infections - Rhinitis, inflammation of the nasal cavities - sinusitis - pharyngitis (viral) - tonsilitis (bacterial) - strep infection can lead to glomerulonephritis (kidney) or rheumatic fever (heart) - epiglottitis (usually viral, uncommon but an emergency as blocks the airway) - laryngitis (usually viral, swollen vocal cords) - pertussis (whopping cough) - epistaxis (nose bleeds - trauma, cocaine abuse, underlying health disorder)
Symptoms forming from inflammatory response
- swollen mucous membranes - nasal congestion and secretions - headache, fever, general malaise
Components of the respiratory zone
- alveoli - alveolar ducts
What main viruses cause URTIs?
- rhinovirus - adenovirus - coronavirus - parainfluenza virus - respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Manifestations of the flu
Respiratory ■Coryza (runny nose) ■ Cough, initially dry becoming productive ■ substernal burning ■ sore throat Systemic ■ fever and chills ■ malaise ■ muscle aches fatigue
Manifestations of tonsilitis and pharyngitis
Local ■ sore throat ■ Possible dysphagia and ear pain ■ Tender, swollen anterior cervical lymph nodes ■ Hoarse voice ■ Red, swollen pharyngeal mucous membranes and/or tonsils ■ Possible visible exudate on pharyngeal membranes and/or tonsils General ■ fever ■ general malaise ■ Arthralgia, myalgia
Drugs to treat colds
- as usually viral, antibiotics are ineffective.
- Codeine and pholcodine to treat non-productive coughs
- anticholinergics reduce nasal discharge
- expectorants bring up mucus and other material from the lower respiratory tract
- mucolytics thin mucus
- antihistamines reduce sneezing and runny nose
- antipyretic analgesics (commonly, paracetamol)
- sympathomimetic decongestants open the nasal passages by shrinking blood vessels in the mucus membrane of the nose
- demulcent (soothing) liquids, flavouring and sweetening agents, and alcohol
Structures of the lower respiratory system
- bronchi - lungs - alvioli - ribs - pleura - inter-costal muscles
Structures of the respiratory zone (where gas exchange takes place - aka parenchyma)
- respiratory bronchiles - alveolar ducts - alvioli
What is the carina?
the area between the bronchi at the end of the trachea, with sensitive nerves that cause bronchospasm or coughing
What are the two layers of the pleura?
- visceral - envelops the lungs - parietal - lines the thoracic cavity - pleural cavity between the two; negative pressure to maintain lung inflation and filled with fluid to lubricate
Respiratory volume and capacity are affected by?
- age - gender - weight - health status (disease, injury)
What happens during inspiration?
diaphragm contracts and flattens rib cage elevates, intra pulmonary pressure decreases and air rushes in.
What happens during expiration?
Expiration - diaphragm relaxes, ribs descend and intrapulmonary pressure rises and air flows out.
What are the major inter-costal muscles involved in breathing?
- scalenus muscles - serratus - transversus thoracis - sternocleidomastoid - pectoralis minor - rectus abdominus
What is tidal volume(TV)?
- the volume on regular inspiration ~500mL
what is inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)?
The amount of extra air you can take in after tidal inspiration ~3000mL
What is expiratory reserve volume(ERV)?
- the amount on top of tidal volume that you can breathe out in forced expiration ~1200mL
what is inspiratory capacity?
TV+IRV ~3500mL
what is vital capacity?
TV+IRV+ERV ~4000 - 5000mL
What is residual volume (RV)
the amount of air remaining in the lungs after full exhalation ~ 1200mL
What is functional residual capacity?
ERV+RV ~1800 - 2400mL



