, 1. Main functions of the respiratory system: (1) deliver oxygen to the cells of body.
(2) remove carbon dioxide from body.
2. upper respiratory tract: outside chest cavity(nose, and
nasopharynx; down to the larynx).
3. lower respiratory tract: organs within chest(trachea,
bronchial tree, and lungs).
4. alveoli: microscopic sacs where oxygen diffuses across and exchanged for car-bon dioxide when a
person breathes in air
5. the diffused oxygen is then taken to the rest of the body through the: circu-latory system
6. Several common diseases that affect airways and exchange of gas: asthma,COPD, emphysema,
chronic bronchitis
7. Asthma: general term for recurrent and reversible shortness of breath resultingfrom the narrowing
of the bronchi and bronchioles.
8. COPD: consists of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
9. emphysema: a disease process involving inflammation of the alveoli.
10. chronic bronchitis: chronic inflammation or irritation on the lower respiratorytract, specifically
the bronchi.
11. The primary drugs used in the treatment of both asthma and COPD: bron-chodilators and a
variety of anti-inflammatory and antiallergic agents.
12. All three of these diseases have one primary similarity: they all involveobstruction of
airflow through the airways.
13. Chemical Mediators: are defined as a substance released from mast cells andwhite blood cells
during inflammation and allergic reactions. As such, chemical mediators are responsible for most of the
symptoms and complications associatedwith asthma and COPD.
14. The only chemical mediator with a known involvement where drug therapyhas been shown to
help patient symptoms is: Leukotrienes
15. Leukotrienes: are potent bronchoconstrictors with a long duration of action.They stimulate
receptors responsible for bronchoconstriction, edema and other inflammatory actions.
16. leukotriene inhibitors: a class of drugs that inhibit these actions and have animportant role in
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