CCMA training notes: Respiratory System Review

What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

To facilitate gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

What are the nostrils used for in the respiratory system?

They are the openings for air to enter the body.

What is the role of the nasal cavities?

They help clean the air of contaminants and other substances.

What 10 structures make up the upper respiratory system?

1. Nostrils

2. Nasal cavity

3. Oral cavity

4. Lips

5. Jaw

6. Tongue

7. Uvula

8. Pharynx

9. Epiglottis

10. Larynx.

What is the function of the epiglottis?

It covers the opening to the trachea when swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.

How many lobes does the right lung have?

3 lobes.

How many lobes does the left lung have?

2 lobes.

What is the primary bronchus?

The airway passage that branches from the trachea into the lungs.

Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?

In the alveoli, tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles.

What is the diaphragm's role in respiration?

It contracts to facilitate inhalation and relaxes for exhalation.

What happens during inhalation?

The diaphragm contracts and pulls downward, expanding the thoracic cavity and drawing air into the lungs.

What occurs during exhalation?

The diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, causing the thoracic cavity to decrease in size and forcing air out.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

A group of lung diseases where airflow in the bronchial structures is obstructed, often due to smoking.

What is chronic bronchitis?

Inflammation of the airways due to irritants, resulting in excess mucus production and breathing difficulties.

What is emphysema?

A disease that causes long-term loss of lung function and destruction of alveolar walls.

What does asthma refer to?

A chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes that causes spasms and reduced airflow.

What is the common cold?

An upper respiratory infection commonly caused by over 200 different viruses.

What is allergic rhinitis?

An allergic reaction to airborne allergens resulting in nasal inflammation and increased mucus.

What is croup?

An acute respiratory infection in children characterized by a barking cough and high-pitched inhalation sounds.

What is diphtheria?

A bacterial infection that affects the throat and upper respiratory tract, producing harmful toxins.

What are 4 main symptoms of influenza?

1. Respiratory inflammation

2. Fever

3. Chills

4. Muscle pain caused by viral infection.

What does sinusitis refer to?

Inflammation of the sinuses.

What is pharyngitis?

Inflammation of the pharynx, also known as a sore throat.

What does laryngitis result in?

Inflammation of the larynx, often causing loss of voice.

What does eupnea signify?

Normal, unlabored breathing.

What is apnea?

A temporary absence of spontaneous breathing.

What does bradypnea refer to?

Abnormally slow breathing, typically fewer than 10 breaths per minute.

What is tachypnea?

An abnormally fast breathing rate, typically more than 20 breaths per minute.

What characterizes Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

An irregular breathing pattern alternating between rapid and shallow breathing and slower respiration or apnea.

What is hypernea?

Deeper and more rapid breathing than normal at rest.

What does hypopnea indicate?

Shallow or slow respiration at rest.

What is hyperventilation?

An abnormally rapid rate of deep breathing often associated with anxiety.

What is anoxia?

The absence of oxygen from body tissues even though there is sufficient blood flow.

What does hypoxia refer to?

A condition of insufficient oxygen levels in body tissues.

What causes altitude hypoxia?

A lack of sufficient oxygen at high altitudes, also known as altitude sickness.

What is asphyxia?

Loss of consciousness due to insufficient oxygen intake.

What does cyanosis indicate?

Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

What is hypercapnia?

An abnormal buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.

What signifies hypoxemia?

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

What is respiratory failure?

A condition of dangerously low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

What does sleep apnea refer to?

A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Relaxation of throat muscles narrowing the airways during sleep.

What is pneumoconiosis?

Fibrosis of lung tissues caused by dust inhalation from the environment or occupation.

What is asbestosis?

Lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos particles.

What does pleurisy mean?

Inflammation of the membranes covering the lungs and pleural cavity which can cause chest pain + difficulty breathing.

What is hemothorax?

A collection of blood in the pleural cavity, often due to trauma, can lead to breathing difficulties + reduced lung function.

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

A condition caused by fluid filling the alveoli due to various external factors such as pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma, leading to severe respiratory failure.

What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep.

What precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of SIDS?

Infants should be placed on their backs to sleep without blankets, pillows, or toys.