Lesson 5 – Life Support Chain

life support chain

cells and organs that keep life flowing in every human being or any organism for that matter. It includes all the cells in the body that continuously require oxygen and nutrients to function, and also create waste and byproducts that have to be eliminated.

respiratory and circulatory systems

carriers of this supply and waste and if there is any interference, the cells become damaged and die.

Two common conditions that result from respiratory compromise

hypoxia and hypercarbia

Hypoxia

condition where cells don’t get enough oxygen

hypercarbia

condition where the carbon dioxide is not removed at the optimum levels from the cells.

Some of the factors that can lead to hypoxia and/or hypercarbia are:

Blocked airways

Impairment of the muscles of breathing

Physiological obstruction of the airway

Change in the atmosphere

High altitudes

Impaired movement of the gas across the cell membrane

As a result of these factors, the oxygen levels fall, and the carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood. This leads to a rise in

the respiratory rate and the blood becomes more acidic

Shock occurs when

organs and tissues do not get enough oxygen. Unfortunately, it has a debilitating effect on the body that includes,

The level of oxygen supplied to the tissues fall

The cells engage in anaerobic metabolism

Severe metabolic acidosis ensues

The baroreceptors initiate the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine

The heart rate increases

The interstitial fluid moves into the capillaries