Respiratory System Function and Disorders Quiz

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs due to pressure differences.

The exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the lungs and the bloodstream.

The upper airways include the nasal cavities, sinuses, pharynx, tonsils, and larynx.

The lower airways include the conducting airways and the sections dedicated to air exchange.

The conducting airways are responsible for transporting air to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. They include the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the blood and the air.

The distal respiratory unit is defined by the presence of alveoli and includes alveoli, alveolar ducts, and alveolar sacs. This is the primary site of gas exchange.

The arrangement of respiratory anatomy proceeds in order of air entry: trachea, bronchus, bronchioles (terminal and respiratory), alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and finally alveoli, the site of gas exchange.

The process of distributing inspired air into the lungs, with more air reaching the lower parts of the lungs due to gravity.

The distribution of blood flow throughout the lungs, with more blood flowing to the lower parts of the lungs due to gravity.

Matching the distribution of ventilation and perfusion to ensure efficient gas exchange.

The narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs, specifically the pulmonary arteries.

The widening of blood vessels in the lungs, specifically the pulmonary arteries.

The primary trigger for narrowing (vasoconstriction) of pulmonary arteries.

The redirection of blood flow from poorly-ventilated lung segments to well-ventilated segments to improve gas exchange efficiency.

A situation where ventilation (airflow) and perfusion (blood flow) are not evenly matched in the lungs, leading to reduced gas exchange.

A condition where areas of the lung that receive air (ventilation) don't receive enough blood flow (perfusion).

A type of ventilation-perfusion mismatch where there's good blood flow but poor airflow to the lung area. Examples include asthma and bronchospasm.

A type of ventilation-perfusion mismatch where there's no airflow to a lung area that still receives blood. Examples include collapsed alveoli or fluid-filled lungs.

A type of ventilation-perfusion mismatch where there's good airflow but poor blood flow to a lung area.

This type of ventilation-perfusion mismatch occurs when the delivery rate of blood to alveoli is impaired. A common example is pulmonary embolism.

Characterized by chronic cough and expectoration (sputum production), persisting for at least 3 months over 2 consecutive years.

Abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls.

The relationship between the amount of air reaching the alveoli (ventilation) and the amount of blood flow passing through the capillaries surrounding them (perfusion).

A condition where the V/Q ratio is high, meaning the air is reaching the alveoli but there is less blood available for gas exchange.

This refers to a pathological process in emphysema where the destruction of alveolar walls leads to the obliteration (removal or destruction) of the vascular bed, the network of small blood vessels around the alveoli.

A group of lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties, most commonly caused by cigarette smoking.

COPD is a preventable and treatable disease. It is characterized by airflow limitation caused by chronic inflammation of the small airways and air spaces in response to significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, accounting for 75% of cases. The amount and duration of smoking directly correlates with the severity of lung disease.

A protein produced by the liver that plays a crucial role in protecting lung tissue from damage, especially during the healing process.

Inherited deficiency of AAT can lead to low concentrations in the alveoli, increasing the risk of developing COPD.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and inflammation, ultimately leading to difficulty breathing.

Inflammation in the airways and lung parenchyma, caused by various factors like smoking and air pollution.

Repeated respiratory infections in childhood, combined with exposure to second-hand smoke, can significantly increase the risk of developing COPD later in life.

Occupational exposure to toxic substances like dust and chemicals, along with air pollution, are significant environmental factors that can increase COPD risk.

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent cough and mucus production, while emphysema involves damage to the alveoli, leading to airflow obstruction.

COPD is a complex disease influenced by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Therefore, prevention and early detection are crucial to managing the disease.

Chronic Bronchitis is a condition where the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, leading to excessive mucus production and difficulty breathing. It is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke.

Emphysema is a lung disease characterized by damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, leading to a loss of elasticity and difficulty breathing. This damage can cause a decrease in surface area for gas exchange, making it harder for the lungs to efficiently absorb oxygen.

In emphysema, the normal repair processes of the alveoli are disrupted, leading to a breakdown of elastic connective tissue. This results in increased lung compliance and decreased elastic recoil.

The lack of support from damaged elastic tissue in emphysema contributes to airway instability, which can lead to premature airway collapse during exhalation. This results in air trapping, making it harder to expel carbon dioxide.

In emphysema, the breakdown of alveolar walls leads to the formation of larger, abnormal airspaces. This reduces the surface area for gas exchange and the number of capillaries, hindering oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release.

The loss of alveolar capillaries in emphysema further hampers gas exchange, as there are fewer blood vessels to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.

In emphysema and chronic bronchitis, different mechanisms lead to air trapping. In emphysema, the loss of elastic recoil causes premature airway collapse during exhalation. In chronic bronchitis, excessive mucus obstructing the airways and inflammation contribute to air trapping.

Cor pulmonale is right ventricular hypertrophy caused by pulmonary hypertension, a condition where high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs makes the heart work harder. It is often a consequence of chronic lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.