Airway Mucosal Function: Chronic Bronchitis and Cystic Fibrosis

Flashcards based on the lecture notes about airway mucosal function, chronic bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis, covering key terms and definitions for exam preparation.

Chronic Bronchitis

A condition characterized by excessive mucus production in the bronchial tree, leading to chronic cough and sputum production.

Cystic Fibrosis

An inherited disorder affecting chloride and sodium transport in epithelial cells, causing thick, sticky mucus and various pulmonary complications.

Mucociliary Escalator

A mechanism that transports mucus and trapped particles out of the airways to the pharynx.

Airway Surface Liquid (ASL)

A thin layer of fluid that covers the airway epithelium, composed of a periciliary layer (PCL) and a gel layer, crucial for normal mucociliary function.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand; it relates airflow and volume change during breathing.

Airway Resistance (R)

The resistance encountered by airflow during respiration, influenced by airway diameter and its condition.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the surface of epithelial cells that beat in a coordinated manner to help clear mucus and particles from the airways.

Mucous Secretion

The production of mucus by goblet cells and submucosal glands, important for trapping pathogens and particulates.

Spirometry

A lung function test used to assess the presence of obstructive airway diseases by measuring forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).

REID Index

A clinical measure used to differentiate chronic bronchitis from normal bronchial structure, calculated as the ratio of the thickness of the mucus gland layer to the thickness of the wall of the bronchus.