Respiratory System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the alveoli in the lungs?

To protect the lungs from external injury

To store excess air during respiration

To filter pollutants from the inhaled air

To facilitate gas exchange between air and blood (correct)

How does the pleural cavity contribute to lung function?

By providing a barrier against pathogens

By storing blood to enhance oxygen delivery

By reducing friction during respiration movements (correct)

By assisting in the filtration of harmful gases

What occurs during the process of expiration?

The chest cavity expands due to muscle contraction

The diaphragm actively contracts to push air out

Air is forcibly inhaled into the lungs

Air is expelled from the lungs as chest muscles recoil (correct)

What happens to the lungs if elastin fibers are replaced with scar tissue?

They become stiff and non-compliant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the composition of the pleura?

A double-layered membrane with a visceral and parietal layer Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the alveoli aid gas exchange?

Their large surface area facilitates greater diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of pleural effusion?

Excess friction preventing normal lung expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most crucial for maintaining gas exchange efficiency in the alveoli?

The presence of surfactant to reduce surface tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of permanent damage and loss of elasticity in the alveoli in emphysema?

Long-term smoking Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is most critical for managing acute exacerbations of low oxygen levels in COPD patients?

Oxygen therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is classified as a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)?

Formoterol Signup and view all the answers

What should healthcare providers regularly monitor to assess a COPD patient's respiratory status accurately?

Oxygen saturation levels Signup and view all the answers

Which combination inhaler consists of a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid?

Symbicort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of mast cell activation in asthma?

Bronchoconstriction and inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for asthma?

Age over 50 Signup and view all the answers

What role do TH2-helper cells play in asthma pathophysiology?

Stimulate B-cells to produce IgE Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term consequence of poorly managed asthma?

Airway remodeling Signup and view all the answers

Which mediator is NOT involved in the bronchoconstriction response in asthma?

Adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular component is primarily responsible for signaling in acute asthma inflammation?

T-lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the epithelial cells of the airways in the context of chronic asthma?

They experience injury and dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT typically associated with an asthma attack?

Chest pain during exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of avoiding asthma triggers?

To prevent inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the inflammation in asthma?

Chronic and persistent Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of spirometry in pulmonary function testing?

To evaluate the ability to inhale and exhale air over time Signup and view all the answers

How is Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) defined?

The maximum amount of air exhaled forcefully after full inspiration Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the ratio of FEV-1.0 to FVC hold?

It serves as a diagnostic tool for respiratory diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of pulmonary congestion and edema on lung function?

Reversible decrease in pulmonary compliance Signup and view all the answers

What does lung perfusion primarily refer to?

The flow of blood through the pulmonary blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

Why is some air always retained in the lungs after exhalation?

To ensure lung tissue elasticity and prevent collapse Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'compliance' refer to in relation to the lungs?

The ability of the lungs to expand and contract Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total lung capacity is typically occupied by residual volume?

20 percent Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change is observed with a reduction in pulmonary compliance?

Reduced capacity for lung expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter assesses the volume of air expelled in the first second of an FVC test?

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV-1.0) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of leukotriene modifiers in asthma maintenance treatment?

They block leukotriene receptors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is specifically a monoclonal antibody used in asthma treatment?

Omalizumab (Xolair) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using inhalers as opposed to oral medications in acute asthma treatment?

Inhalers deliver medication directly to the site of action in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of anticholinergics contribute to asthma treatment?

They antagonize the parasympathetic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glucocorticoids in synergy with other asthma treatments?

They enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of other medications. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dosing frequency for maintenance asthma medications?

3-4 times per day Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of administering asthma maintenance drugs regularly?

To control triggers and inflammation even in absence of attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the onset of action for Montelukast (Singulair) is true?

It has a slow onset of action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of delivering asthma medication?

Intravenous injections Signup and view all the answers

What common effect does sympathetic nervous system stimulation have in asthma treatment?

Leads to bronchodilation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Alveoli

One cell thick walls
Large, moist surface area for gas exchange
Surrounded by capillaries, ensuring a rich blood supply
Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled

Pleura

Double-layered membrane surrounding each lung
Visceral pleura: adheres to the lung surface
Parietal pleura: lines the chest wall
Pleural cavity: space between the pleura, contains serous fluid which reduces friction during respiration
Pleural effusion: excess fluid or inflammatory exudates accumulate in the pleural cavity, causing shortness of breath

Ventilation

Movement of gases in and out of the lungs
Inspiration: air moves into the lungs as respiratory muscles expand the chest cavity
Expiration: air moves out of the lungs as chest muscles recoil and the chest cavity becomes smaller
Lung tissue is made of elastin and collagen fibers
Pulmonary fibrosis: elastin fibers are replaced by scar tissue, making the lungs stiff and non-compliant
Pulmonary congestion and edema: decrease pulmonary compliance

Pulmonary Function Tests

Spirometry: measures the ability to inhale and exhale air relative to time
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): maximum amount of air that can be rapidly and forcefully exhaled after full inspiration
Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV-1.0): percentage of FVC, volume of air expired in the first second
The ratio of FEV-1.0 to FVC is used for diagnostic purposes

Perfusion

Flow of blood through the blood vessels in the lungs, essential for gas exchange
Blood picks up oxygen from the air we breathe and releases carbon dioxide to be exhaled
Mast cell activation leads to inflammation and bronchoconstriction
Inflammation can damage epithelial cells, causing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
Asthma: reversible airway inflammation
COPD: permanent airway damage

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disorder (not autoimmune)
Affects up to 10% of Canadians
Risk factor: family history
Triggers: allergens, environmental particles, infection, stress, etc.
Inflammation is caused by pro-inflammatory mediators, which further activate inflammation
Mast cell degranulation leads to bronchoconstriction and mucus production

Asthma Clinical Presentation

Epithelial injury in the bronchi leads to hypersensitivity
Frequent dosing: 3-4 times/day
Inhalers: metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers
Nebulizers: use for emergencies and children

Maintenance Treatment of Asthma

Daily administration, even without attacks, to control triggers
Leukotriene Modifiers: block leukotriene receptors, modify inflammatory response before exposure
Biologics: monoclonal antibodies, bind free IgE, decrease mast cell degranulation

Acute Treatment of Asthma (Rescue)

Treat bronchoconstriction via inhaler or nebulizer
Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist: stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing bronchodilation
Anticholinergics: antagonize the parasympathetic nervous system, causing bronchodilation

Emphysema

Permanent damage and loss of elasticity in the alveoli, leading to poor recoil and air trapping
Symptoms: pursed-lip breathing, tripoding, barrel chest

Management of COPD

Smoking cessation is the most effective step
Oxygen therapy for low oxygen levels
Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations
Medications: bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, combination inhalers, mucolytics

Assessment: respiratory status, oxygen saturation
Medication management: administer meds, educate patient on inhaler/nebulizer use
Patient education: educate patients about COPD, self-management strategies, smoking cessation

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Description

This quiz covers the key components of the respiratory system, focusing on alveoli, pleura, and the mechanics of ventilation. Test your knowledge on gas exchange, lung structure, and the processes of breathing. Perfect for biology students studying anatomy and physiology.