Bio question relating to the respiratory tract?
Recent research has shown that cigarette smoke may result in the following:
i.)Destruction of the cilia that line parts of the respiratory system
ii.) Rupturing the walls of the same alveoli
iii.) Thickening of the walls of the bronchioles, thus narrowing their diameter
1V) carbon monoxide competes with binding sites in the alveoli
i am supposed to describe how the smoking of cigarettes interferes with the normal functioning of the respiratory tract for each affect listed above.
To understand how smoking interferes with the normal functioning of the respiratory tract, let's examine each effect individually:
i.) Destruction of the cilia that line parts of the respiratory system:
In the respiratory tract, there are hair-like structures called cilia that line the airways. The primary function of these cilia is to move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory system. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage or destroy the cilia. Without functioning cilia, the ability to clear mucus and particles is compromised, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances in the respiratory system.
ii.) Rupturing the walls of the alveoli:
Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. The chemicals present in cigarette smoke can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to the destruction of the delicate walls of the alveoli. When these walls rupture, the surface area available for gas exchange decreases. This reduced surface area can significantly impair the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, resulting in breathing difficulties and a decreased efficiency in oxygen uptake.
iii.) Thickening of the walls of the bronchioles, thus narrowing their diameter:
Bronchioles are small air passages that branch out from the bronchi (tube-like airways). Exposure to cigarette smoke can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to the thickening of the bronchiole walls. This thickening narrows the diameter of the air passages, causing a condition called bronchoconstriction. Bronchoconstriction restricts the airflow, making it harder for air to enter and exit the lungs, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
iv.) Carbon monoxide competes with binding sites in the alveoli:
When cigarette smoke is inhaled, it contains carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. Carbon monoxide has a higher affinity for binding to the hemoglobin in red blood cells than oxygen, which reduces the amount of oxygen being transported in the bloodstream. This competition between carbon monoxide and oxygen binding sites prevents efficient oxygen delivery to body tissues, resulting in reduced oxygen levels in the body.
In summary, smoking interferes with the normal functioning of the respiratory tract by damaging the cilia, causing the rupture of alveolar walls, thickening bronchiole walls, and competing with oxygen for binding sites in the alveoli. These effects collectively impede proper respiratory system function, leading to various respiratory issues and reduced oxygen supply throughout the body.