Understanding Pulmonary Function: Tests and Regulation
Pulmonary Function
The breathing mechanism aims to provide an uninterrupted flow of oxygen from the environment to cells.
To carry out this function, the lungs, blood, and mitochondria work together.
The lung is the gas exchange organ, the blood carries oxygen to tissues, and mitochondria enable its use.
The speed and depth of breathing are controlled by involuntary processes in the brainstem.
In each inhalation and exhalation, more than half a liter of air is exchanged.
Respiratory function can be divided
Read MoreUnderstanding the Cardiovascular System: Heart Anatomy, Function, and Disorders
The Cardiovascular System: An Overview
The cardiovascular system is responsible for several critical functions:
Transportation: The cardiovascular system transports nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the cells and metabolic wastes like carbon dioxide away from the cells.
Protection: Circulating throughout the blood are leukocytes (white blood cells) and other defenses against antigens.
Regulation: Homeostasis is maintained in the body through regulation of pH, temperature, and water content of cells.
Understanding Respiratory Control, Gas Exchange, and Lung Volumes
Breathing Control Center
The breathing control center is located in the pons and medulla of the brainstem. It consists of multiple cores that generate and modify the basic ventilation rate and is the central ventilatory pattern generator, which works automatically. There are two different medullary groups:
- Dorsal respiratory group: Inspiratory neurons that control the diaphragm, mainly.
- Ventral respiratory group: Controls muscles acting in active expiration and some inspiratory muscles during an intense
Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis, Embryonic Development & Reproduction
Spermatogenesis
The formation of sperm, called spermatogenesis, is conducted in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. Spermatogonia-containing sperm are propelled into the epididymis. These ducts subsequently become the internal deferens. The lining of these ducts is made of ciliated cells that enable the advancement of sperm to the urethra. The seminal vesicles and prostate secretions incorporate nutrients that nourish the sperm to form semen.
Female Reproductive Tract Development
Along embryonic
Read MoreStaphylococcus and Streptococcus Tests
Coagulase Test
Coagulase is an enzyme capable of converting fibrinogen to fibrin, causing visible clot formation in a suitable analytical system. A positive reaction is shown by the formation of a clot or gel. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are coagulase-positive.
Glucose Fermentation Test
This test can differentiate the genus Micrococcus from the genus Staphylococcus because the latter gives a positive test result.
Mannitol Fermentation Test (1%)
Strains of S. aureus, in contrast to those of S. epidermidis,
Read MoreRespiratory, Circulatory, and Excretory Systems
Respiratory System
The respiratory system contains the airways and lungs. Its function is to capture the oxygen that our body needs and to expel the carbon dioxide produced.
- Respiratory: nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
- Lungs: two elastic, fluffy, pink bodies occupying almost the entire chest.
- Ribcage: This includes the spine, ribs, diaphragm, and sternum.
Respiratory Diseases
- Microorganisms:
- Cold and flu: virus.
- Pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia: Inflammation.
- Inhaling