Digestive System Basics
Which enzyme begins carbohydrate digestion in the mouth?
Salivary amylase
Which structure warms, moistens, and filters incoming air?
Nasal cavity
Which chamber receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?
Left atrium
Which blood vessels have the highest pressure?
Arteries
A patient cannot speak clearly after inhaling smoke. Which respiratory structure is most likely irritated?
Larynx
Why does salivary amylase stop working in the stomach?
The pH in the stomach denatures the enzyme
What muscle is primarily responsible for inhalation?
Diaphragm
What is the function of the valves in the heart?
Prevent backflow of blood
Name one function of red blood cells.
Transport oxygen using hemoglobin
A patient is having trouble digesting food. Which part of the digestive system performs no digestion and can be ruled out?
Esophagus
Which accessory organ produces bile?
Liver
Gas exchange occurs at the....
Alveoli
Which vessel delivers oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself?
Coronary arteries
Which vessel type allows diffusion of gases and nutrients?
Capillaries
A patient's oxygen levels are normal, but their tisues are still starved of O2. Which blood component is likely malfunctioning?
Red blood cells/hemoglobin
Name the structure in the small intestine used for nutrient absorption.
Villi (or microvilli)
Why does oxygen diffuse from the alveoli into the blood?
Higher oxygen concentration/partial pressure in alveoli vs blood
Which side of the heart is thicker and why?
Left ventricle - pumps blood to the entire body
Why do veins contain valves but arteries do not?
Veins have low pressure; valves prevent backflow
A person has swollen ankles due to fluid leaking from blood into tissues. Which vessel type is likely failing?
Capillaries
The pancreas (pancreatic lipase) or the liver/gallbladder (bile)
A patient can inhale normally but has extremely poor gas exchange. Name one possible cause (not a disease/disorder).
Damaged alveoli, fluid buildup, or low surface area
A clot blocks the coronary arteries. What condition results and why is this dangerous?
Heart attack; heart muscle loses oxygen and tissue dies
A patient has high white blood cell count. Predict one likely symptom or consequence.
Immune system fighting off infection
A patient feels faint, has a rapid weak pulse, and poor blood oxygen delivery. Identify two possible system causes (one respiratory, one circulatory).
Respiratory - poor ventilation, collapsed alveoli, airway blockage
Circulatory - low blood volume, heart failure, valve malfunction