Respiratory System Structure & Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the structure and function of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system consists of the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, sinuses, nasopharynx, larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, lungs), serving to filter, warm, humidify air, and facilitate air exchange.

List causes and symptoms of upper, middle, and lower respiratory tract infections.

Common causes include viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing.

What are the pathogenesis and lesions of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to lesions that typically affect the lungs and can result in necrosis.

What are the major causes of obstructive airway disease?

Major causes include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Signup and view all the answers

What is bronchiectasis and what are its common causes?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi, often caused by severe infections or genetic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is asthma, and what are its causes and pathogenesis?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, caused by genetic and environmental factors leading to airway hyperresponsiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What is restrictive lung disease? List 3 major causes and their pathogenesis.

Restrictive lung disease refers to conditions that restrict lung expansion. Major causes include interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion, and neuromuscular disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between wet and dry drowning?

Wet drowning involves liquid entering the lungs, whereas dry drowning occurs without water entering the lungs, often due to a spasm of the airway. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the pathogenesis of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS is characterized by acute inflammation and damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange. Signup and view all the answers

Describe typical location, pathologic and clinical findings associated with respiratory tract malignancies.

Respiratory tract malignancies commonly occur in the lungs, characterized by masses, lesions, and can present with symptoms like cough and hemoptysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is dyspnea?

Dyspnea is the term used to describe the subjective feeling of shortness of breath. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Tachypnea = Increased rate of breathing (normal respiratory rate 12-20 per minute) Pneumothorax = Air in pleural cavity Hemothorax = Blood in the pleural cavity Pleural effusion = Fluid in pleural cavity Signup and view all the answers

What is pleuritis?

Pleuritis is the inflammation of the pleura, which are the membranes lining the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What is atelectasis?

Atelectasis refers to the incomplete expansion of the alveoli due to various causes including compression or obstruction. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Respiratory System Structure & Function

Upper respiratory tract: includes nasal cavity, sinuses, nasopharynx, and larynx.
Upper respiratory tract function: filter, warm, humidify air, and assist with speech.
Lower respiratory tract: includes trachea and lungs.
Lower respiratory tract function: air exchange.
Airways branch into smaller ducts: bronchi, bronchioles, terminal bronchiole, respiratory bronchiole, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
Alveoli are the most distal spaces where air exchange occurs.
Diffusion barrier for gas exchange: Alveolar pneumocyte, common basement membrane, and endothelial cell.
Respiratory defense mechanisms: mucus, mucociliary escalator, alveolar macrophages, and cough/sneeze reflexes.
Pulmonary circulation: dual blood supply.

Pulmonary Medicine & Pathology Terms

Dyspnea: Subjective feeling of shortness of breath.
Tachypnea: Increased rate of breathing, normal rate is 12-20 breaths per minute.
Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural cavity.
Hemothorax: Blood in the pleural cavity.
Pleural effusion: Fluid in the pleural cavity.
Pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleura (lining of the lungs).
Atelectasis: Incomplete expansion of alveoli.
Causes of atelectasis: Compression of alveoli from outside, resorption of air distal to obstruction, and deficiency of surfactant.