week 12

• What is the function of the nasal cavity?


  The nasal cavity filters, warms, and moistens air, using hairs and mucous membranes, and also serves as a resonance chamber for speech.
• What are the main components of the atmosphere?


  The atmosphere consists mainly of nitrogen (78.08%) and oxygen, with smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, and water vapor.
• How is atmospheric pressure measured, and what is standard pressure at sea level? 


  Atmospheric pressure is measured in atmospheres (atm) or millimeters of mercury (mmHg); 1 atm = 760 mmHg at sea level.
• Describe the structure and role of the trachea.


  The trachea, or "windpipe," is a flexible tube with cartilage rings to prevent collapse, connecting to bronchi that carry air to the lungs.
• What is the function of alveoli in the respiratory system?


  Alveoli are tiny sacs where gas exchange occurs, providing a large surface area (~90 m²) for oxygen and CO₂ exchange with pulmonary capillaries.
• What are the pleura and pleural cavity, and their function?

  The pleura are protective membranes around the lungs, with pleural fluid in the cavity to reduce friction and prevent infection spread.
• List the four stages of respiration.

  1. Pulmonary Ventilation, 2) External Respiration, 3) Gas Transport, 4) Internal Respiration
• How do the gas levels in inhaled air compare to exhaled air? 


  Inhaled air is 20.95% oxygen and 0.03% carbon dioxide; exhaled air is 16.4% oxygen and 4.4% carbon dioxide.
• What is COPD and its main causes?


  COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a progressive airway obstruction often caused by smoking, leading to reduced lung function
• Describe asthma and its common symptoms.

  Asthma involves temporary airway obstruction with inflamed airways, causing symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and dyspnea, treatable with inhalers.
• What causes tuberculosis (TB), and how is it treated? 


  TB is caused by airborne bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), affecting the lungs and requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.
• What are the primary functions of blood?

  Blood transports nutrients, removes waste, regulates temperature, and aids in homeostasis.
• Describe the structure of the heart. 


  The heart has four chambers (two atria and two ventricles) and pumps oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
• What is hypertension and how is it managed?

  Hypertension is high blood pressure often related to aging and lifestyle, managed through lifestyle changes and medication.
• What are the risks and treatment options for peripheral artery disease (PAD)?


  PAD, due to atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries, causes poor blood flow, numbness, and ulcers. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgeries.
• Explain an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its risks. 


  AAA is a bulging of the aorta due to a weak artery wall; it is asymptomatic but may rupture, requiring monitoring or surgical intervention.
• What are the symptoms and treatments for a stroke? 


  Symptoms include face droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Treatment may involve medication, surgery, and emergency care.
• What are the symptoms and treatments for a stroke? 


  Symptoms include face droop, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Treatment may involve medication, surgery, and emergency care.
• What are common preventative measures across cardiovascular diseases? 


  Preventative measures include lifestyle modifications, blood pressure medications, and surgical interventions for improved circulation.