unit 7

Question 1

What is the function of the respiratory bronchiole?

Answer 1

Gas-exchange airway

Respiratory bronchioles are the last generation of bronchioles before the alveoli where gas exchange occurs.

Question 2

What are the conducting airways?

Answer 2

Nasopharynx, trachea, larynx

These airways move air to and from the gas exchange zone.

Question 3

What type of cell is responsible for surfactant production in the lungs?

Answer 3

Type II alveolar cell

Surfactant reduces alveoli surface tension, aiding in lung function.

Question 4

What is the primary function of surfactant?

Answer 4

Reduces alveoli surface tension

This is crucial for preventing alveolar collapse.

Question 5

What is the role of the Type I alveolar cell?

Answer 5

Provides structural support

Type I alveolar cells make up the majority of the alveolar surface.

Question 6

What do macrophages do in the respiratory system?

Answer 6

Offer immune protection

They help clear pathogens and debris from the lungs.

Question 7

What type of epithelial cell lines the larger airways?

Answer 7

Ciliated columnar epithelial cell

These cells help move mucus out of the airways.

Question 8

What do airway glands produce?

Answer 8

Bronchial mucus

This mucus helps trap particles and pathogens.

Question 9

What is a key function of pulmonary circulation?

Answer 9

Acts as a reservoir for the left ventricle

Pulmonary vessels store blood and assist with venous return.

Question 10

What causes pulmonary artery vasoconstriction?

Answer 10

Low alveolar PO2

This mechanism diverts blood from poorly ventilated areas.

Question 11

What happens to pulmonary arteries when alveolar PO2 is high?

Answer 11

Produces pulmonary artery dilation

This improves blood flow to well-ventilated areas.

Question 12

What is the primary driver of inspiration?

Answer 12

Diaphragm

The diaphragm contracts and moves downward to increase thoracic volume.

Question 13

Which muscles are involved in forced expiration?

Answer 13

Internal intercostals and rectus abdominis

These muscles help expel air from the lungs.

Question 14

What accessory muscles are used in inspiration?

Answer 14

Sternocleidomastoid and scalene

These muscles assist in expanding the thoracic cavity.

Question 15

What is the normal ventilation perfusion (V/Q) ratio in a healthy lung?

Answer 15

Around or >0.8

A ratio of 1.0 indicates perfectly matched ventilation and perfusion.

Question 16

What does a V/Q ratio of 0.8 indicate?

Answer 16

80% of air breathed in is used in perfusion

This suggests some mismatch between ventilation and perfusion.

Question 17

What is orthopnea?

Answer 17

Difficulty breathing while lying flat

Commonly seen in various respiratory conditions.

Question 18

What is obstructive atelectasis?

Answer 18

Collapse of lung tissue caused by airway obstruction

This condition can lead to reduced lung capacity.

Question 19

What causes compression atelectasis?

Answer 19

Results from external pressure

This can occur due to pleural effusion or tumor.

Question 20

What is bronchiectasis?

Answer 20

Chronic airway dilation

This condition often results from long-term infection or inflammation.

Question 21

What is the strongest modifiable risk factor for COPD?

Answer 21

Smoking

Quitting smoking can significantly reduce risk.

Question 22

What primarily causes asthma airflow obstruction?

Answer 22

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness causing reversible bronchoconstriction

Inflammation leading to bronchial spasm is a key feature.

Question 23

What is emphysema characterized by?

Answer 23

Irreversible destruction of alveolar walls

This leads to reduced surface area for gas exchange.

Question 24

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Answer 24

Loss of surfactant

This condition results in severe respiratory failure.

Question 25

When does the exudative phase of ARDS typically begin?

Answer 25

Within 72 hours ## Footnote Characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation.

Question 26

What are Cheyne-Stokes respirations?

Answer 26

Alternating deep and shallow respirations followed by apnea ## Footnote Commonly seen in neurological disorders and heart failure.

Question 27

What characterizes Kussmaul respirations?

Answer 27

Consistent rapid, deep breaths ## Footnote Often seen in metabolic acidosis.

Question 28

What are Biot respirations?

Answer 28

Irregular breathing with apnea ## Footnote Caused by brainstem damage and increased intracranial pressure.

Question 29

What is agonal breathing?

Answer 29

Sporadic shallow and labored breaths that resemble gasps ## Footnote Typically occurs in cardiac arrest situations.

Question 30

What viral group is characterized by a harsh, seal-like barking cough?

Answer 30

A result of inflammation of the subglottic area ## Footnote This symptom is often associated with croup.

Question 31

What is pertussis also known as?

Answer 31

Paroxysmal whoop ## Footnote This is a hallmark symptom of whooping cough.

Question 32

What are the main characteristics of cystic fibrosis?

Answer 32

Mucus plugging, hyperplasia of goblet cells, chronic airway infection ## Footnote This genetic disorder significantly affects respiratory function.

Question 33

What muscles are considered accessory muscles for expiration?

Answer 33

Abdominal muscles, internal intercostals ## Footnote They assist in forcefully expelling air from the lungs.

Question 34

What are the major muscles of inspiration?

Answer 34

Diaphragm, external intercostals ## Footnote These muscles are essential for normal breathing.

Question 36

What is the cause of low CO2 levels?

Answer 36

hyperventilation ## Footnote Hyperventilation leads to excessive breathing, reducing CO2 levels in the blood.

Question 37

What does vital capacity refer to?

Answer 37

amount person can exhale ## Footnote Vital capacity is a measure of the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Question 38

What is forced vital capacity?

Answer 38

maximum amount someone can exhale ## Footnote Forced vital capacity measures the total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible.

Question 39

Define tidal volume.

Answer 39

normal breath in and out ## Footnote Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath.

Question 40

What is residual volume?

Answer 40

amount of air remaining in lungs after maximal expiration; amount of air that cannot be exhaled ## Footnote Residual volume prevents the lungs from collapsing completely.

Question 41

What does total lung capacity represent?

Answer 41

maximum amount of air lungs can hold after full, deep inhalation; includes residual volume ## Footnote Total lung capacity is the sum of all lung volumes, indicating the full capacity of the lungs.

Question 42

What causes coughing from exposure to irritants?

Answer 42

irritants in trachea and airways ## Footnote Coughing is a reflex to clear the airways of irritants.

Question 43

What is it called when there is adequate ventilation but poor alveolar perfusion?

Answer 43

dead space ventilation; i.e. pulmonary embolism ## Footnote Dead space ventilation occurs when air reaches the alveoli but is not involved in gas exchange due to poor blood flow.

Question 44

What are the functions of upper respiratory mucosa?

Answer 44

warm, filter, humidify, immune defense, sensory functions ## Footnote The upper respiratory mucosa plays a crucial role in preparing the air for the lungs and protecting against pathogens.