Lung notes

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  • Created by: Natasha
  • Created on: 29-12-12 18:01

Spirometer measures expired breath 

Ventilation maintains large concentation graident and flow of air in and out the alveoli 

Large organisms have small surface: volume area ratio. Lose less heat. 

Tuberculosis

TB is caused by the bacteria called mycobacterium. This is trasmissed by droplets from coughs, sneezes. Symptoms include; coughing, mucus, chest pains, shortness of breath and fever. The infection: Immune system builds a wall around bacteria in the lungs - forms small hard lump called tuberles. Infected tissue dies, gaseous exchange is damaged so tidal volume decreases. Causes fibrosis. Many people are asymoptonic - only becomes active if weakened. 

Fibrosis: Scar tissue thicker, less elastic. Tidal volume reduced, diffusion slower. Reduction in rate of gaseous exchange. Shortness of breath. Faster breathing rate to oxygenate their blood. 

Asthma: Airways inflamed and irrited by pollen and dust. Contracts and mucus is produced resulting in constriction of airways. Less…

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