Respiratory System Disorders Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to respiratory system disorders, their functions, and associated health conditions.

Transport of oxygen from air to blood

Necessary for cellular metabolism.

Removal of carbon dioxide from the blood

Carbon dioxide is a waste product from metabolism.

Upper respiratory tract

Includes nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Epiglottis

Protects opening into larynx; closes over glottis during swallowing.

Ventilation

Process of inspiration and expiration; airflow depends on pressure gradient.

Tidal volume

Amount of air exchanged with quiet inspiration and expiration.

Vital capacity

Maximal amount of air that can be moved in and out of the lungs.

Control of ventilation

Primary control centers for breathing are located in the medulla and pons.

Hypercapnia

Increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Hypoxemia

Marked decrease in oxygen levels in the blood.

Gas exchange

Flow of gases between alveolar air and blood.

Partial pressure gradient

Drives the movement of gases during diffusion.

Oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve

Illustrates how hemoglobin binds and releases oxygen under varying conditions.

Spirometry

Pulmonary function test to measure lung volumes and airflow.

Bronchiectasis

Irreversible dilation of bronchi, often due to recurrent infection.

Cystic fibrosis

Genetic disorder causing thick mucus from exocrine glands.

Pulmonary embolus

Blood clot obstructing a pulmonary artery.

Atelectasis

Nonaeration or collapse of lung or part of lung.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural cavity leading to lung collapse.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A group of respiratory disorders causing irreversible lung damage.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Results from injury to the alveolar wall and capillary membrane.

Asthma

Chronic condition causing bronchial obstruction due to hyperresponsive airways.

Acidosis

Condition resulting from excess carbon dioxide or lack of oxygen.