Respiratory Anatomy and Conditions - Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the respiratory system, conditions, and their dental implications as discussed in the lecture.

Respiratory Tract Anatomy

Gross structure: Larynx → trachea → carina → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli, which are the sites of gas exchange.

Type I Alveolar Cells

Very thin squamous epithelium facilitating gas diffusion.

Type II Alveolar Cells

Cells that secrete surfactant to lower surface tension in alveoli.

Mucociliary Clearance

Airway epithelium (pseudostratified columnar) with cilia and mucus that wafts trapped particles to the pharynx.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory structures in the aortic arch and carotid bodies that detect changes in CO₂ and O₂ levels and signal the brainstem for respiratory adjustments.

Asthma

A chronic condition characterized by episodic bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A progressive lung disease defined by chronic airflow obstruction, often caused by smoking.

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax bronchial smooth muscle to improve airflow; includes short-acting and long-acting types.

SABA (Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists)

Reliever medications for asthma that cause bronchodilation, e.g., salbutamol.

ICS (Inhaled Corticosteroids)

Preventer medications for asthma that reduce chronic inflammation in the airways.

PEF Meter

A device used to measure peak expiratory flow to assess asthma severity.

Type 1 Respiratory Failure

Characterized by low oxygen (hypoxia) with normal or low carbon dioxide levels.

Type 2 Respiratory Failure

Characterized by high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) due to ventilatory failure.

Hyperventilation

Rapid breathing that can lead to respiratory alkalosis and is often triggered by anxiety.

Oral Effects of Inhaled Medications

Possible complications such as dry mouth, oral thrush, and increased caries risk associated with asthma medications.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

A condition where the airway collapses during sleep causing repetitive breathing cessation.

Fibrotic Lung Disease

A group of disorders characterized by scarred lung tissue leading to reduced elasticity and gas exchange.

Bronchiectasis

A chronic condition where bronchi are permanently dilated due to repeated infections and inflammation.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disorder that leads to thick mucus production, resulting in recurrent lung infections and digestive issues.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Persistent cough, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and systemic symptoms caused by tumor growth.

Laryngeal Cancer

Cancer affecting the larynx, leading to symptoms like voice changes and airway obstruction.