Anatomical defences
These scroll-like bones in the nasal cavity increase surface area to warm and humidify inhaled air and generate some turbulence.
What are the nasal turbinates/conchae?
These two (2) things produce mucus.
1. Seromucus glands (majority of production)
2. Goblet cells (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles)
Closure of glottis by epiglottis (flap) and inhibition of breathing.
What is swallowing?
These cells patrol the lumen of the alveoli and central airways, engulfing dust and microbes.
What are alveolar macrophages?
How tall is Mt Everest in metres?
~8,848.86 metres (will accept between 8,848-8,850).
1. Humidify and warm air
2. Filter, detect and respond to irritants
Mucus contains these antibacterial enzymes, one of which cleaves peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls and one of which is an iron-binding protein.
What are lysozyme (peptidoglycan cleavage) and lactoferrin (iron binding)?
This response is triggered by mechanical or chemical irritation in the upper airways and tracheobronchial tree.
What is the cough reflex?
This antibody is important in mucosal immunity.
What is IgA?
Everest is on the border of Nepal and this region of China.
What is Tibet?
What is the main determinant of where a particle deposits?
Particle size:
- Larger particles tend to deposit in the nose and mouth
- Smaller particles can deposit deeper in the bronchi and alveoli
This coordinated movement of microscopic hair-like structures moves mucus and trapped debris upward toward the throat.
What is the mucociliary escalator?
This response is initiated by irritation in the nasal passage (upper airway receptors).
What is the sneeze reflex?
These cells provide an intact barrier and play an active role in pathogen defence. They can mount their own inflammatory response and secrete various factors.
Airway epithelial cells
The “Death Zone” starts at this altitude.
What is 8,000 metres?
List the four possible types of aerodynamic filtration. Clue: IISD
1. Impaction
2. Interception
3. Sedimentation
4. Diffusion (Brownian)
Bronchiectasis
Irritants cause reflex broncho________.
Bronchoconstriction
The pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual tonsils are made of this type of tissue.
What is lymphoid tissue?
As of May 2024, how many people have died on Everest?
340 (will accept between 300-400)
List three (3) factors that can affect nasal resistance.
Any of the following: Exercise, emotions, inflammation, vasomotor response to hormones, environment, pharmacotherapy
Explain the effect of cold air on mucociliary clearance.
Cold air slows cilia movement → mucus accumulation → runny nose during cold weather
List the three phases of the cough reflex.
1. Inspiratory phase
2. Compressive phase
3. Expiratory phase
Alveolar macrophages make up what percentage of airway leukocytes?
95%
What two (2) places did Simon and Annie stop at between Kathmandu and Base Camp?
1. Namche
2. Pheriche