Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, aiding in exam preparation.

Ventilation

The movement of air between the atmosphere and respiratory portion of the lungs, including inhalation and exhalation.

Perfusion

The flow of blood through the lungs and pulmonary capillaries, essential for gas exchange.

Diffusion

The transfer of gases between the air-filled spaces in the lungs and the blood, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure inside the alveoli of the lungs that changes during breathing.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure in the pleural cavity that is always slightly negative to keep the lungs expanded.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air that moves into and out of the lungs during a normal breath.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled above the normal tidal volume.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs as the diaphragm relaxes and the chest cavity becomes smaller.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A progressive, irreversible airway obstruction that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, primarily caused by long-term smoking.

Hemothorax

Accumulation of blood in the pleural space, usually due to chest trauma or surgery.

Pneumothorax

Air in the pleural space leading to lung collapse, which can occur spontaneously or from trauma.

Atelectasis

The incomplete expansion or collapse of a lung or portion of a lung, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen levels in the blood that can lead to tissue damage and organ failure.

Hypercapnia

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood that can lead to respiratory acidosis.

Acute Rhinosinusitis

A sudden inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that lasts up to 4 weeks, often following a viral infection.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Persistent inflammation of the sinuses lasting beyond 12 weeks, commonly associated with allergies or anatomical obstructions.

Polycythemia

An abnormally increased number of red blood cells in the blood, often as a compensatory response to chronic hypoxemia.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

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

Leukopenia

A decreased white blood cell count, indicating elevated risk for infection.

Thrombocytopenia

A low platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding.

Normalization of Blood Gases (PaO2 and PaCO2)

The balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which is crucial for maintaining acid-base homeostasis.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The amount of blood the heart pumps each minute, indicating heart efficiency and metabolic demand.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.

Aneurysm

An abnormal, localized dilation of a blood vessel caused by a weakening of the vessel wall.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs.

Hematopoiesis

The process of forming blood cells from stem cells in the bone marrow.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding which involves vessel constriction, platelet plug formation, and blood coagulation.

Thrombosis

The abnormal formation of blood clots within blood vessels that can obstruct blood flow.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Temporary vasospasm causing color changes in fingers or toes in response to cold or stress.

Rheumatic Fever

An inflammatory disease that can develop after a streptococcal infection, affecting heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis)

A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to complications like pulmonary embolism.