Pulmonary Lecture

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to respiratory inflammation and infections discussed in chapters twenty and twenty one.

Erythropoietin

A hormone stimulated by the kidneys to increase production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

Beta two adrenergic receptors

Receptors that, when stimulated, cause dilation of the bronchioles to increase ventilation capacity.

Bronchoconstriction

Narrowing of the airways due to stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves.

Polycythemia

A condition characterized by an excess of red blood cells often resulting from chronic hypoxia.

Hypoxia

A deficiency of oxygen in the tissues.

Hypoxemia

A deficiency of oxygen in the arterial blood.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

The movement of blood through the pulmonary circulation.

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q Ratio)

A comparison of air reaching the alveoli and blood reaching the alveoli; an important measure for gas exchange efficiency.

Aspiration pneumonia

Pneumonia that occurs when foreign substances are inhaled into the lungs.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand and contract.

Pneumothorax

Collapse of the lung due to air in the pleural cavity.

Pleural effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, compressing the lung.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Anoxia

Absence of oxygen.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood.

Ciliary apparatus

The cleaning system of the lungs that moves mucus and trapped particles from the air passages.

Acute respiratory failure

A sudden inability of the lungs to provide adequate gas exchange.

Chronic respiratory failure

Long-term inability of the lungs to maintain adequate oxygenation or carbon dioxide elimination.

Hypercapnia

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.