Anatomy and Physiology

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Atonia Green Unit 5 Case Study 1: Cari’s Story 10/21/14 1. How could an infection in Cari’s nasal passages and pharynx spread into her sinuses? The infection in Cari’s nasal passages and pharynx was able to spread into her sinuses because the sinuses are a drainage area for the nasal passages. 2. a. What is the cough reflex? The cough reflex is used to clear sputum and irritants that are in the nasal passages and pharynx. b. Describe the process that Cari’s respiratory system is using to clear her lungs by coughing: The cilia in her trachea move mucus up from the lungs, copious amounts of mucus trigger the cough reflex. 3. Which structures found in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli normally would protect Cari’s lungs from infectious pathogens and particulate matter? There are macrophages found in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli that protect Cari’s lungs from infectious pathogens and particulate matter via phagocytosis. 4. How would the resistance of Cari’s airways be affected by excess mucus and fluid in her lung? The excess mucus and fluid in the lungs would increase the resistance of Cari’s airways because of the small diameter the buildup would cause and the fluid would have some alveoli underwater where they can’t function properly causing more friction from the buildup. 5. How would Cari’s lung compliance be altered as her alveoli fill with fluid due to pneumonia? Cari’s lung compliance would increase from trying to force gases in and out of the alveoli that are filled with fluid. 6. How would fluid in Cari’s lungs affect her total lung capacity? The fluid in Cari’s lungs would lower her total lung capacity, by not allowing the space that is taken up by fluid, to be filled with air. 7. How does the elevation of Cari’s respiratory rate alter her minute ventilation? MV= RR x TV, the elevation in her respiratory rate

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