A. ACTIVITY
Briefly explain the main cause or mechanism of increase in respiratory rate or depth and/or respiratory difficulties in the following cases: (one to two sentences only)
1. Initiation of exercise- Pulmonary ventilation will increase as the tidal volume increases to accommodate the strains at the initiation of exercise.
2. Moderate exercise- Since the production of carbon dioxide when exercising causes a drop in pH, the chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata are able to detect these changes and alert the respiratory system to increase breathing.
3. Asthma attack- The smooth muscle spasms of the smaller bronchioles cause a blockage of the airway since there is less cartilage which is responsible for maintaining patency.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes- It is more difficult to breathe at high altitudes because the pressure drops and less oxygen is available. As a result, the heart rate rises in order to provide the body with the proper amount of oxygen.
5. Pneumonia- Pneumonia is brought on by alveolar infection by microbes. Because of this, ventilation and gas exchange is impeded by fluid and mucus that have filled the alveoli.
6. Paralysis of phrenic nerve- Since the phrenic nerve regulates the diaphragm's operation, paralysis of this nerve may result in a weak diaphragm which impairs gas exchange.
7. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue- The inflammation of the lungs and pleurae brought on by severe tuberculosis makes it challenging for the lungs to operate properly, restricting the respiratory system's flow.
8. Severe anemia- An abnormally low hematocrit percentage is the cause of respiratory difficulties. As the amount of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the circulation decreases, the respiratory system will try to make up by producing more oxygen necessary.
9. advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)- The inability to breathe is brought on by the obstruction of airflow, which raises airway resistance.
10. Advanced pregnancy- As the baby grows, it occupies more room and presses the uterus against the diaphragm, increasing pressure. Also, the lungs are being squeezed adding to the difficulty in breathing.