Anatomy of a Breath
Describe which structure is affected by atelectasis
The alveoli collapse or become filled with mucus. This results in decreased surface area for the exchange of gases to occur.
What is the name of the point where the trachea bifurcates?
What is the carina. You don't want to hit this structure when performing tracheal suctioning.
A restrictive pulmonary disorder resulting from scarring in the lungs that causes thickened, stiff tissue making it more difficult for your lungs to expand properly
Pulmonary fibrosis
List the three sections of the pharynx listing the uppermost first.
What is the nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx
What is the difference between ventilation and respiration?
Ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs (breathing).
Respiration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and body tissues.
Explain the difference between internal respiration and external respiration.
Internal respiration: exchange of O2/CO2 between capillaries and tissues. External respiration: exchange of O2/CO2 between alveoli and capillaries.
These tubes are composed of smooth muscle and determine the flow of air into the alveoli.
What are the bronchioles
Wheezing is caused by the constriction of ________
What is bronchioles
Expiratory wheeze = more common, usually from lower airway narrowing (e.g., asthma, COPD). louder over lungs
Inspiratory wheeze = less common, often from upper airway narrowing, which can be life‑threatening if severe. louder over neck
What is the nerve that innervates the diaphragm?
What is the phrenic nerve
Negative pressure must be maintained in this space in order for the lungs to expand.
The Intrapleural Space (between the parietal pleura lining the wall of the thoracic cavity and the visceral pleura lining the exterior of the lung)
What is the function of the epiglottis?
It prevents food from entering the trachea
When the diaphragm and external intercostals contracts what happens to air movement in the lungs? What muscles contract with forced expiration?
When diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract air moves into the lungs as the lungs expand. During forced expiration the internal intercostals and the abdominal muscles contract and the diaphragm and external intercostals relax.
What is the location and function of surfactants.
Located in the alveoli and decrease surface tension causing the alveoli to remain inflated so external respiration can take place.
Failure to exhale completely (as in emphysema or COPD) causes what gas to build up in the bloodstream? How does this affect a client's pH?
Failure to exhale completely causes carbon dioxide (CO₂) to build up in the bloodstream.
When CO₂ increases, the blood becomes more acidic, which lowers the client’s pH (respiratory acidosis).
An obstructive pulmonary disorder where the alveoli lose elasticity and become abnormally inflated, making it harder to exhale.
Answer: Emphysema