BIO 145: Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology (Backus-Loudoun)

Asthma: "Asthma comprises a group of recurrent inflammatory diseases, in which the airways periodically spasm, swell, and narrow, causing wheezing or gasping for air. The majority of asthmas are associated with allergies." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2020.

Chronic Bronchitis: "Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages between the nose and the lungs, including the windpipe or trachea and the larger air tubes of the lung that bring air in from the trachea (bronchi). Bronchitis can either be of brief duration (acute) or have a long course (chronic). Acute bronchitis usually is caused by a viral infection, but also can be caused by a bacterial infection; it can heal without complications. Chronic bronchitis is a sign of serious lung disease that may be slowed but cannot be cured." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2020

Emphysema: "Emphysema is a chronic respiratory disease in which there is progressive overinflation of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, reducing oxygen absorption and causing a loss of lung function and breathlessness. The name emphysema comes from a Greek word meaning “to blow into,” hence “air-containing” or “air-inflated.” Emphysema is sometimes grouped together with chronic bronchitis under the name of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Many people who are diagnosed with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2020.

Gas Exchange: "Gas exchange is the process by which oxygen is transferred from the atmosphere to bodily tissues for use in metabolism; and the gas produced by metabolism, carbon dioxide, is transferred from tissues to the atmosphere. 

The process of gas exchange has several steps. The following is a summary of the steps:

• ventilation (breathing)
• interchange of CO2 and O2 between air in the lungs’ alveoli and blood in lung capillaries by diffusion
• transport of CO2 and O2 through the bloodstream
• interchange of CO2 and O2 between blood in lung capillaries and alveolar air by diffusion
• use of O2 and production of CO2 by cells through metabolism"

Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2018

Blood Typing: "Blood typing is a laboratory test that identifies blood group antigens (substances that stimulate an immune response) belonging to the ABO blood group system. The test classifies blood into four groups designated A, B, AB, and O." Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2018.

Hematocrit: "The hematocrit is a test that measures the volume of blood by the percentage that is comprised of red blood cells. The hematocrit is also called the packed red cell volume because classically it is measured by centrifuging the blood in a capillary tube." Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2018.

Hemochromatosis: "Hemochromatosis is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to retain excessive amounts of iron. This iron overload can lead to serious health consequences, most notably cirrhosis of the liver." Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2020.