Respiratory and Digestive Case Study

Module 06 Case Study: Respiratory and Digestive Systems

Each question is worth 1 point, unless otherwise noted.

Driving Can Be Dangerous To Your Health: Part I—"The Grandparents Arrive" Questions

1. What factors can trigger an asthmatic episode and what do you think triggered the asthmatic episode in this case?

Infections, usually those caused by a virus, allergens-most commonly from house dust mites and pets or pollen, exercise, emotions-such as excitement or fear, irritants, smoking, changes in weather, food additives-mostly from food allergens, and certain medications

Probably, because she was walking around the kitchen holding the baby so exercise, and it was exciting so I bet a combination of the two things.

2. Compare and contrast the anatomy of the trachea and bronchi/bronchioles. Which one is more likely to collapse?

The trachea is also called the windpipe. It desecneds from the lyrynx to the mediastinum and divides into the bronchi at the terminal end. It is 4 inches long and about ¾ inch in diameter that is structurally supported by 16-20 cartilage rings. It’s also lined with pseudostratified epithelium that is cillated and globet cells that secrete mucus. At the end of its inferior end, the trachea divides into the right and left primary bronchi. The primary bronchi enter the lungs at hilum. Once inside the lungs, the primary bronchi divide into secondary bronchi which enter each lobe of the lungs. Then the secondary bronchi divides and branches into tertiary bronchi and then divides further, eventually to the bronchioles. Smooth muscle lines the various bronchi, but as they get smaller in size there is a decrease in the amount of smooth muscle.

3. Why is air-flow restricted during an asthmatic episode and why is wheezing usually worse when asthmatics exhale?

Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swells and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight,...