NUR 3125 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea, Kussmaul Breathing
Document Summary
Respiratory dysfunction: describe mechanisms used by the respiratory system to prevent invasion by foreign substances. The respiratory system uses upper respiratory tract mucosa, nasal hairs and turbinates, mucous blanket, cilia, irritant receptors in the nostrils, irritant receptors in trachea and large airways, and alveolar macrophages are defense mechanisms used. The right lung, particularly the right lower lobe, is more susceptible to aspiration than the left lung because the branching angle of the right mainstem bronchus is straighter than the branching angle of the left mainstem bronchus. Surfactant is a lipoprotein that lines the alveoli. Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension and permits the alveoli to expand as air enters. Describe the role of the brainstem and chemoreceptors in respiratory function. Ventilation is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which adjust airway caliber (by causing bronchial smooth muscle to contract or relax) and control the rate and depth of ventilation.
