The Respiratory System
Utilizing knowledge from your learning and assigned readings, respond to the following questions:
- What are the primary functions of the respiratory system?
- Explain the roles of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system.
- Explain the structure and function of the respiratory membrane.
- Identify and describe the four distinct events that are collectively called respiration.
- After a long scuba diving session on a Caribbean reef, a patient boards a plane to Dallas. He begins to feel pain in his elbow on the flight back to Dallas. What is happening to him?
- Explain how hyperventilation and hypoventilation alter levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The respiratory system is an essential part of the human body, responsible for vital functions such as breathing and maintaining oxygen levels in the blood. As a medical professor, it is crucial to ensure that students have a comprehensive understanding of the respiratory system to prepare them for their future careers. In this assignment, we will explore various aspects of the respiratory system, including its primary functions, the role of mucus and cilia, the structure and function of the respiratory membrane, the four events of respiration, the effects of flying and scuba diving on the body, and how hyperventilation and hypoventilation alter carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
1) What are the primary functions of the respiratory system?
The primary functions of the respiratory system are to bring oxygen into the body and to remove carbon dioxide from the body. The respiratory system accomplishes this by inhaling oxygen-rich air into the lungs, where it passes through tiny air sacs called alveoli, which exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is then expelled from the lungs through exhalation.
2) Explain the roles of mucus and cilia in the respiratory system.
Mucus and cilia play vital roles in the respiratory system. Mucus, a thick and sticky substance, lines the airways in the respiratory system and helps to trap dirt, dust, and other particles that we breathe in. Cilia, small hair-like projections on cells lining the airways, move in coordinated waves to sweep the mucus and trapped particles up and out of the respiratory system. This cleaning action helps to prevent infections and irritations in the lungs.
3) Explain the structure and function of the respiratory membrane.
The respiratory membrane is a structure that allows for gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream. It is composed of the alveolar walls, the capillary walls, and their shared basement membrane. Oxygen moves from the alveoli, through the respiratory membrane and into the capillaries, where it binds to red blood cells to be transported throughout the body. Carbon dioxide moves from the capillaries, through the respiratory membrane and into the alveoli, where it is expelled during exhalation.
4) Identify and describe the four distinct events that are collectively called respiration.
Respiration consists of four events: pulmonary ventilation (breathing), external respiration (gas exchange between lungs and blood), transport of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) by the blood, and internal respiration (gas exchange between blood and tissues). Pulmonary ventilation involves inhaling and exhaling air in and out of the lungs. External respiration occurs in the lungs where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide exits the bloodstream. Transport of respiratory gases involves the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the bloodstream. Internal respiration happens in the tissues where oxygen enters the cells, and carbon dioxide exits the cells to enter the bloodstream.
5) After a long scuba diving session on a Caribbean reef, a patient boards a plane to Dallas. He begins to feel pain in his elbow on the flight back to Dallas. What is happening to him?
When a person scuba dives, they breathe compressed air, which contains nitrogen. During a long dive, nitrogen can build up in the bloodstream and form bubbles when the pressure is rapidly reduced during ascent. This is known as decompression sickness or the bends. The pain in the elbow may be due to nitrogen bubbles forming in the joints, creating joint pain. The pressure changes during the flight back to Dallas may further exacerbate this pain.
6) Explain how hyperventilation and hypoventilation alter levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Hyperventilation is characterized by rapid breathing which leads to a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. This is because carbon dioxide is expelled more quickly than it is produced, leading to a condition known as respiratory alkalosis, which can cause dizziness, tingling in the hands and feet, and muscle weakness. On the other hand, hypoventilation results in a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood because it is not being removed fast enough. This condition, known as respiratory acidosis, can lead to confusion, drowsiness, and even coma.
