Unit VI Assessment SEE FILE
QUESTION 7
- List the actions and function of respiratory muscles involved with breathing.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.
13 points
QUESTION 8
- Explain the respiratory physiology of pulmonary ventilation (inspiration and expiration).
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.
13 points
QUESTION 9
- As you treat patients, it is important to understand the difference between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. What is the difference, and why is one reversible and the other is not?
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.
13 points
QUESTION 10
- In your own words, explain how gases are diffused in the alveoli.
Your response must be at least 75 words in length.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this set of questions, we will be discussing the respiratory system, its functions, and different respiratory diseases. We will be exploring the actions and functions of respiratory muscles involved in breathing and the respiratory physiology of pulmonary ventilation. Moreover, we will be discussing the difference between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma and why one is reversible and the other is not. Lastly, we will be explaining how gases are diffused in the alveoli.
Answer 7: Breathing is a complicated process that involves several muscles. The primary respiratory muscles involved in breathing are diaphragm, external intercostals, and internal intercostals. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped thin muscle located between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, flattens, and moves downwards. The external intercostals, located between the ribs, elevate the rib cage, widening it and expanding the thoracic cavity. The internal intercostals are mainly involved in forced expiration, and they decrease the diameter of the rib cage, compressing the thoracic cavity. The respiratory muscles work together to increase and decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity, responsible for the process of breathing.
Answer 8: Pulmonary ventilation is the process of exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the lungs. It involves two stages: inspiration and expiration. During inspiration, the diaphragm and external intercostals contract, expanding the thoracic cavity, decreasing the pressure and creating a pressure gradient between atmospheric and alveolar air. The air flows through the respiratory tract and fills the alveoli. During expiration, the diaphragm and external intercostals relax, while the internal intercostals and abdominal muscles contract, reducing the volume of the thoracic cavity, increasing the pressure, and forcing the air out of the lungs.
Answer 9: COPD and asthma are two common respiratory diseases. COPD is characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which lead to irreversible damage of the lung tissues. On the other hand, asthma is a reversible respiratory disease resulting from inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and increased mucus production. COPD is mainly caused by smoking, while asthma can be triggered by allergens, viral infections, and exercise. Treatment for COPD involves bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, lung transplant. For asthma, treatment involves inhalers, steroids, and avoiding triggers.
Answer 10: Gases are diffused in the alveoli through a process called diffusion. Oxygen diffuses from alveolar air into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into alveolar air. This process occurs due to the pressure difference between the alveolar air and the capillaries. The pressure of oxygen in the alveolar air is higher than that of carbon dioxide. In contrast, the pressure of oxygen in the capillaries is lower than that of carbon dioxide. This pressure gradient facilitates the diffusion of gases into and out of the alveoli. The gases move from high pressure to low pressure until the equilibrium is reached.
