NURS 3120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Step One, Iatrogenesis, Threshold Of Pain
Document Summary
At cellular level, oxygen diffuses into cells, and carbon dioxide diffuses from cells into capillaries, where it is carried by erythrocytes to alveoli. Carbon dioxide diffuses from pulmonary capillaries to alveoli and is exhaled. Cardiovascular system provides transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and cells. Three main structures within thorax or chest: mediastinum and right and left pleural cavities. Mediastinum positioned in middle of chest, within it are: heart, arch of aorta, superior vena cava, lower esophagus, lower part of trachea. Pleural cavities contain lungs: these cavities lined with two types of serous membranes. Visceral pleura: chest wall and diaphragm are protected by parietal pleura, and lungs are protected by visceral pleura, small amount of fluid lubricates space between pleurae to reduce friction as lungs move during inspiration and expiration. Right lung has three lobes and left has two.
