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explain using gas exchange and cardiovascular systems

2006-11-12 04:33:47 · 4 answers · asked by leothegr812 1 in Science & Mathematics Biology

4 answers

In normal breathing, air is drawn in through the bronchial passages and down into the increasingly fine network of tubing in the lungs called the alveoli, which are many thousands of tiny sacs surrounded by capillaries. These absorb the oxygen and transfer it into the blood. When toxins such as smoke are breathed into the lungs, the particles are trapped by the hairs and cannot be exhaled, leading to a localised inflammatory response. Chemicals released during the inflammatory response (trypsin, elastase, etc.) begin to break down the walls of alveoli (alveolar septum). This leads to fewer but larger alveoli, with a decreased surface area and a decreased ability to take up oxygen and lose carbon dioxide. The activity of another molecule called alpha 1-antitrypsin normally neutralizes the destructive action of one of these damaging molecules.

After a prolonged period, hyperventilation becomes inadequate to maintain high enough oxygen levels in the blood, and the body compensates by vasoconstricting appropriate vessels. This leads to pulmonary hypertension. This leads to enlargement and increased strain on the right side of the heart, which in turn leads to peripheral edema (swelling of the peripherals) as blood gets backed up in the systemic circulation, causing fluid to leave the circulatory system and accumulate in the tissues.

Emphysema occurs in a higher proportion in patient with decreased alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) levels (alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, A1AD). In A1AD, inflammatory enzymes (such as elastase) are able to destroy the alveolar tissue (the elastin fibre, for example). Most A1AD patients do not develop clinically significant emphysema, but smoking and severely decreased A1AT levels (10-15%) can cause emphysema at a young age. In all, A1AD causes about 2% of all emphysema. However, smokers with A1AD are in the highest risk category for emphysema.

2006-11-12 04:44:03 · answer #1 · answered by JV 3 · 0 1

They simply run out of oxygen and have no muscle power left.
If on oxygen they should not have a problem unless they are
burning more than taking in. The oxygen used at home is
called the "bird" machine and requires an oxygen cylinder,
in pure emphysema cases cardiovascular systems are not
the solution but do help to keep the blood flowing at a correct
pace and especially to heart and the far from heart places like
legs.

2006-11-12 04:56:37 · answer #2 · answered by Ricky 6 · 0 0

why did you ask this question 5 times

2006-11-12 04:38:50 · answer #3 · answered by darkpheonix262 4 · 0 0

Try googling your question.

2006-11-12 04:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by Goofy Goofer Goof Goof Goof ! 6 · 0 0

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