What is anatomy and physiology of COPD?
COPD is caused by a bronchoconstriction and inflammation, making air passage in and out of the lungs more difficult. This reduction in effective air flow creates a state of hypoxia, resulting in hypoxemia. As noted earlier, chronic bronchitis is a chronic productive cough lasting 3 months during 2 consecutive years.
What is the pathophysiology of obstructive lung disease?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of disorders that have in common abnormal airway structure that results in obstruction to airflow. In emphysema, obstruction is thought to be due to the loss of normal elastic tension in the lung parenchyma. Cigarette smoke is the most important cause of emphysema.
What happens physiologically with COPD?
Expiratory airflow limitation is the principal physiological defect in COPD. Intrinsic airway factors relate to bronchial wall inflammation and include mucosal inflammation/edema, bronchial wall remodeling/fibrosis, and increased mucosal secretions.
What is the anatomy and physiology of emphysema?
In emphysema, the inner walls of the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, causing them to eventually rupture. This creates one larger air space instead of many small ones and reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.
What is the anatomy and physiology of the lungs?
The lungs are pyramid-shaped, paired organs that are connected to the trachea by the right and left bronchi; on the inferior surface, the lungs are bordered by the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the flat, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs and thoracic cavity.
What is lung anatomy?
The lungs are the major organs of the respiratory system, and are divided into sections, or lobes. The right lung has three lobes and is slightly larger than the left lung, which has two lobes. The lungs are separated by the mediastinum. This area contains the heart, trachea, esophagus, and many lymph nodes.
What is an example of anatomy and physiology?
For example, a systemic anatomical study of the muscular system would consider all of the skeletal muscles of the body. Whereas anatomy is about structure, physiology is about function.
Why is respiratory physiology important?
Understanding respiratory physiology can aid the practitioner in diagnosing the cause of respiratory symptoms. The main goals of respiration are oxygen uptake and elimination of carbon dioxide.