RR Flashcards
(17 cards)
Why is the respiratory system vital to our functioning?
The respiratory system exchanges gases in the body by delivering oxygen to our bloodstream, balancing pH levels, and removing CO2. It allows us to speak and contributes to cellular energy production while preventing CO2 buildup, which can lead to acidemia.
Briefly describe the structures in the upper respiratory tract and their functions.
The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The nasal cavity filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air. Cilia and mucus membranes trap dust and microorganisms. The pharynx leads air to the vocal cords, and the larynx produces voice. The epiglottis prevents food entry into the trachea.
Briefly describe the structures in the lower respiratory tract and their functions.
The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The larynx houses the vocal cords and directs air into the trachea. The trachea and bronchi conduct air into the lungs, where bronchioles distribute it to alveoli for gas exchange. Alveoli are the site of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange with the blood.
How do the vocal cords produce sound?
When the vocal folds are closed, expelled air passes through them and causes them to vibrate, creating sound. The glottis is the diamond-shaped opening between the vocal cords.
How does manipulating the volume of the thoracic cavity lead to the bulk movement of air into and out of the lungs?
This process is called pulmonary ventilation (breathing). When the diaphragm contracts, it increases the thoracic cavity’s volume, lowering pressure inside the lungs and causing inhalation. When the diaphragm relaxes, the volume decreases, increasing pressure and forcing air out (exhalation).
Which respiratory volumes would be affected by a disease that reduces the amount of air a patient can forcibly exhale?
A reduction in forced expiratory volume would affect Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) and Vital Capacity (VC). TLC is not impacted because the reduction in ERV equals the increase in RV.
Which respiratory event would be most directly affected by coronavirus causing fluid in the alveoli?
This would most directly affect external respiration, which is gas exchange between the alveoli and blood. Normally, oxygen diffuses from alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli due to concentration gradients.
Why is it dangerous to have excessive carbon dioxide levels in the blood?
High carbon dioxide levels make the blood acidic, impairing organ function and damaging cells. If pH is too acidic, hemoglobin can denature, preventing oxygen transport and leading to cell death or organ failure.
Which respiratory event would be most directly affected by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene?
Gas transport would be most affected because the mutated hemoglobin would impair oxygen binding and delivery to tissues, reducing the cellular oxygen supply.
How is gas exchanged between the blood and body tissues?
Gas exchange occurs via diffusion driven by concentration gradients. Oxygen diffuses from arterial blood (high concentration) into tissues (low concentration), while carbon dioxide diffuses from tissues (high concentration) into arterial blood (low concentration).
How is respiration regulated?
The primary driver of respiratory rate is CO2. CO2 levels are sensed by chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata. High CO2 leads to hyperventilation (increased respiratory rate), while low CO2 leads to hypoventilation (decreased respiratory rate).
Which diseases obstruct the bulk movement of air into the lungs?
Asthma and bronchitis can block airways due to inflammation and narrowing, reducing airflow into the lungs. Emphysema decreases lung elasticity, affecting inhalation and exhalation.
How can emphysema cause acidic blood?
Emphysema causes alveolar sacs to fuse, reducing surface area and slowing gas exchange. CO2 builds up in the blood, forming carbonic acid, which lowers blood pH and causes acidosis.
What bacterial respiratory diseases can potentially be treated with antibiotics?
Bacterial respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis may be treated with antibiotics.
What is the role of surfactant?
Surfactant decreases surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse and allowing efficient gas exchange.
How do hypoventilation and hyperventilation affect blood pH?
Hypoventilation lowers blood pH by allowing CO2 to accumulate. Hyperventilation increases blood pH by expelling CO2 at a faster rate.
How can blood pH affect respiratory rate?
If blood pH is low, respiratory rate increases to exhale CO2. If blood pH is high, respiratory rate decreases to allow CO2 to accumulate.
