Respiratory Inflammation and Infection & Disorders

These flashcards include key vocabulary related to respiratory inflammation, infection, and disorders, along with their definitions.

What is Acidosis?

A condition characterized by an increase in acidity in the blood and body tissues.

What does Alkalosis refer to?

A condition where the pH level in the body is higher than normal, leading to decreased acidity.

Define Hypercapnia.

An increased level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.

What is the function of the Mucociliary apparatus?

A cleaning system that lines the bronchi and bronchioles, consisting of ciliated cells and goblet cells that help trap and expel foreign particles.

What does the term Hemoptysis describe?

The expectoration of blood or blood-stained mucus from the respiratory tract.

Define Atelectasis.

Collapse of a small number of alveoli, which can occur due to compressive forces or obstructions.

What occurs during a Pneumothorax?

The presence of air in the pleural cavity, causing collapse of lung tissue.

What is Erythropoietin?

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in response to low oxygen levels.

Describe the process of Gas Exchange.

The process in which oxygen moves across the alveolar membrane into the blood, and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood to be exhaled.

What is Ventilation?

The process of inspiration and expiration of air through the pulmonary airways.

What is the primary driver of breathing in healthy individuals?

High carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

What is the difference between Hypoxemia and Anoxia?

Hypoxemia indicates insufficient oxygen in the arterial blood; Anoxia indicates a complete lack of oxygen in the blood.

What role do Central chemoreceptors play?

Located in the medulla, they respond to changes in CO2 and pH levels, stimulating increased ventilation when CO2 is high.

What is the function of the diaphragm?

A muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, aiding in inhalation and exhalation.

What causes BronchoDilation?

Sympathetic nervous system activation, promoting relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

What does the term Dyspnea mean?

Shortness of breath, which can be related to cardiac or pulmonary issues.

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

A blockage in a pulmonary artery caused by blood clots that can lead to ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

What occurs during Compliance reduction in the lungs?

Reduced flexibility of the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing and impaired gas exchange.

What is a Pleural Effusion?

An abnormal collection of fluid within the pleural cavity that compresses lung tissue.

What is the Ventilation-perfusion ratio (V-Q ratio)?

A measure of the ratio of air reaching the alveoli (ventilation) to the amount of blood reaching alveoli (perfusion).

What happens in an Asthmatic lung compared to a normal lung?

In Asthma, the airway walls are inflamed and thickened, and smooth muscles tighten, leading to airway constriction.

What can trigger Asthma attacks?

Common triggers include allergens, viral infections, exercise, and occupational exposures.