Respiratory

Flashcard #1
Term: Nasal Conchae

Definition: Curved bony shelves located inside the nasal cavity that increase surface area for warming, humidifying, and filtering air.

Flashcard #2
Term: Function of Nasal Conchae

Definition: Increase surface area and create turbulence to trap particles in mucus.

Flashcard #3
Term: Trachea Structure

Definition: Composed of C-shaped cartilage rings that maintain airway patency with an open part facing the esophagus.

Flashcard #4
Term: Trachealis Muscle

Definition: Smooth muscle that prevents collapse of the trachea and controls airway diameter.

lashcard #5
Term: Mucociliary Escalator

Definition: Mechanism involving cilia that move mucus upward toward the throat to trap dust and pathogens.

Flashcard #6
Term: Type 1 Alveolar Cells

Definition: Thin and flat cells that form the majority of the alveolar wall and are responsible for gas exchange.

Flashcard #7
Term: Type 2 Alveolar Cells

Definition: Cuboidal cells that secrete surfactant, reducing surface tension and preventing alveolar collapse.

Flashcard #8
Term: Inflammation Impact on Alveolar Cells

Definition: Targets Type 2 cells, leading to decreased surfactant, alveolar collapse, and impaired gas exchange.

Flashcard #9
Term: Respiratory Membrane Features

Definition: Includes large surface area, moist surface, rich blood supply, and considerations of membrane thickness.

Flashcard #10
Term: Pneumothorax

Definition: Condition where air enters the pleural cavity, causing lung collapse and preventing normal expansion.

Flashcard #11
Term: Boyle’s Law

efinition: Principle stating that pressure increases as volume decreases and vice versa; essential in breathing mechanics.

Flashcard #12
Term: Charles’ Law

Definition: Principle that states volume increases with temperature; plays a minor role compared to Boyle’s Law in lung function.

Flashcard #13
Term: Inhalation Mechanism

Definition: Involves diaphragm contraction and external intercostals lifting ribs to increase thoracic cavity volume.

Flashcard #14
Term: Exhalation Mechanism

Definition: Typically a passive process where muscles relax; forced exhalation involves internal intercostals and abdominal muscles.

Flashcard #15
Term: Resistance to Airflow

Definition: Greatest resistance occurs in medium-sized bronchi, not in smaller airways due to their structure.

Flashcard #16
Term: Oxygen Transport

Definition: Approximately 98% is bound to hemoglobin, with about 2% dissolved in plasma.

Flashcard #17
Term: Carbon Dioxide Transport

Definition: Transported mostly as bicarbonate ions (~70%), and also bound to hemoglobin (~20%) and dissolved in plasma (~10%).

Flashcard #18
Term: Pulmonary Compliance

Definition: Refers to the ability of the lungs to stretch and expand.

Flashcard #19
Term: Lung Cancer Types

Definition: Includes small cell carcinoma (fast-growing), squamous cell carcinoma (linked to smoking), and adenocarcinoma (common in non-smokers).