Physiology Chapter on Respiratory Acidosis

The medulla, a part of the brainstem, receives signals from receptors in the aorta and carotid sinus about low blood pH (acidosis). This information triggers the medulla to increase breathing rate and depth, forcing more CO2 out of the body. This process helps restore blood pH to normal.

The kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pH by reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine back into the bloodstream. This process helps to neutralize the excess acid in the blood, restoring pH balance.

Sepsis, systemic inflammation, hypoxia, hypotension, hypovolemia, hyperthermia, and acidosis all shift the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve to the right. This means that at a given oxygen partial pressure, hemoglobin releases more oxygen to the tissues.

Boyle's Law states that pressure and volume have an inverse relationship. When one goes up, the other goes down. This is important for breathing because it creates pressure differences that allow air to move into and out of the lungs.

Type I alveoli are thin-walled structures that are specialized for gas exchange. They have a rich blood supply to facilitate this process.

Type II alveoli are smaller and responsible for producing surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, allowing for efficient gas exchange.

Surfactant is a special substance that lowers surface tension in the alveoli. This helps prevent smaller alveoli from collapsing, ensuring that all alveoli can participate in gas exchange.

At higher elevations, the air pressure is lower. This means that there is less oxygen available for the lungs to take in. This can lead to shortness of breath and reduced physical performance.

The ability of the lungs to expand during inspiration and recoil during expiration.

A decrease in lung compliance, making it harder for lungs to expand.

The pressure exerted by the weight of the air above us. It decreases at higher altitudes.

The sympathetic nervous system's role in controlling airway diameter. Beta-2 agonists (like albuterol) mimic the action of the sympathetic nervous system, promoting bronchodilation.

The parasympathetic nervous system's role in controlling airway diameter. Parasympathetic activation (via the vagus nerve) releases acetylcholine, causing bronchoconstriction.

A group of lung diseases characterized by increased airway resistance, leading to difficulty breathing out (expiring) and causing mild oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) and significant carbon dioxide retention.

A common condition affecting the airways, often caused by allergens or environmental triggers. It involves inflammation and narrowing of the bronchi, making it difficult to breathe, especially during exhalation.

A chronic lung disease characterized by irreversible damage to the alveoli (air sacs), leading to decreased lung surface area for gas exchange and increased difficulty breathing.

A chronic inflammatory lung disease caused primarily by smoking, leading to airway narrowing and increased mucus production. It makes it difficult to breathe out and can lead to frequent lung infections.

Right-sided heart failure caused by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). This makes it difficult for the right ventricle to pump blood into the lungs efficiently.

A type of pneumonia that occurs in the community and is often caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), used to assess lung function. In obstructive lung diseases, this ratio is decreased due to difficulty expiring air.

A type of skin lesion that is greater than 1cm in diameter and has an irregular shape, meaning it is not well-defined or circular.

An elevated skin lesion caused by fluid buildup in the dermis, often associated with allergies or insect bites.

An elevated, well-circumscribed skin lesion, usually filled with clear fluid, that does not extend deep into the skin.

Fine, irregular skin lesions caused by dilated blood vessels, sometimes appearing in a "spider-like" pattern.

Infections transmitted to humans from animals or insects.

The outermost layer of skin, lacking blood supply. It is made up of dead, keratinized cells and is responsible for protecting the body from the environment.

The middle layer of skin, containing blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.

The deepest layer of skin, composed of fat and connective tissue. It provides insulation and cushioning.

A well-defined, flat skin discoloration, usually less than 1 cm in diameter.

A small, raised bump on the skin, less than 1 cm in diameter.

The most superficial layer of the epidermis. It's made up of dead, flat cells filled with keratin.

A layer of the epidermis found only in areas of thick skin, like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It helps protect the skin from wear and tear.

This layer of the epidermis contains granules that help seal moisture in the skin.

A type of pneumoconiosis caused by exposure to beryllium, often seen in workers handling the metal. It causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.

A type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhaling silica dust, commonly found in mining, construction, and sandblasting. It results in scar tissue formation in the lungs, impairing lung function.

A type of pneumoconiosis caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, leading to scarring and inflammation in the lungs, increasing the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma.

A type of pneumoconiosis that is the most common, usually found in coal miners due to prolonged exposure to coal dust. It causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.

A type of lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled substances, often fungal spores or dust. It is a Type III hypersensitivity reaction involving immune complex deposition and inflammation in the lungs.

A chronic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs, skin, eyes, and lymph nodes. It is characterized by the formation of granulomas (small clumps of inflammatory cells) in the affected tissues.

Also known as the 'wet lung', this is a severe lung condition characterized by diffuse inflammation within the lungs. It often occurs as a complication of serious injuries, infections, or other conditions.

This is a condition where air escapes from the lungs into the space between the lung and the chest wall, resulting in a collapsed lung. Tension pneumothorax occurs when pressure builds up within this space, compressing the lung and heart, impairing breathing and circulation.