Running head: Case Study 3
BKlinkel The Respiratory and Digestive Systems Case
Study 3
The Respiratory and Digestive Systems
Brittany Klinkel
Rasmussen College- Moorhead
, Case Study 3
Module 06 Case Study:
Respiratory and Digestive
Systems
Each question is worth 1 point, unless otherwise noted.
Driving Can Be Dangerous To Your Health: Part I—"The
Grandparents Arrive" Questions
1. What factors can trigger an asthmatic episode and what do you
think triggered the asthmatic episode in this case?
Factors that can trigger an asthmatic episode include: allergies, stress, exercise,
drugs, smoking, air pollution, excitement, and extreme temperatures. (“What
Triggers Asthma Episodes?” 2016). In this case, I think the physical activity from
carrying the baby triggered the asthmatic episode. I also think a cat allergy could
have triggered it as well as the fact that they were driving all day which caused her
stress. I also think the excitement of seeing the new baby could have triggered the
asthmatic episode as well.
2. Compare and contrast the anatomy of the trachea and
bronchi/bronchioles. Which one is more likely to collapse?
The trachea is about 4 inches long and is also known as the windpipe. “The trachea
is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is made
of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside
of the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in,
returning to its resting size with each breath out.” (“Lung Disease & Respiratory
Health Center” 2015). The trachea divides into two smaller tubes called bronchi;
one bronchus for each lung. The branches of the brachial trees are almost similar to
the rings of cartilage of the trachea. However, the cartilage rings are replaced with
cartilage plates. As the branches become finer, the amount of cartilage decreases
and disappears into the bronchioles. (“Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center”
2015). The bronchioles are more likely to collapse because they do not have
cartilage to support them. The hyaline cartilage on the trachea helps to prevent it
from collapsing.
3. Why is air-flow restricted during an asthmatic episode and why is
wheezing usually worse when asthmatics exhale?
BKlinkel The Respiratory and Digestive Systems Case
Study 3
The Respiratory and Digestive Systems
Brittany Klinkel
Rasmussen College- Moorhead
, Case Study 3
Module 06 Case Study:
Respiratory and Digestive
Systems
Each question is worth 1 point, unless otherwise noted.
Driving Can Be Dangerous To Your Health: Part I—"The
Grandparents Arrive" Questions
1. What factors can trigger an asthmatic episode and what do you
think triggered the asthmatic episode in this case?
Factors that can trigger an asthmatic episode include: allergies, stress, exercise,
drugs, smoking, air pollution, excitement, and extreme temperatures. (“What
Triggers Asthma Episodes?” 2016). In this case, I think the physical activity from
carrying the baby triggered the asthmatic episode. I also think a cat allergy could
have triggered it as well as the fact that they were driving all day which caused her
stress. I also think the excitement of seeing the new baby could have triggered the
asthmatic episode as well.
2. Compare and contrast the anatomy of the trachea and
bronchi/bronchioles. Which one is more likely to collapse?
The trachea is about 4 inches long and is also known as the windpipe. “The trachea
is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is made
of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside
of the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in,
returning to its resting size with each breath out.” (“Lung Disease & Respiratory
Health Center” 2015). The trachea divides into two smaller tubes called bronchi;
one bronchus for each lung. The branches of the brachial trees are almost similar to
the rings of cartilage of the trachea. However, the cartilage rings are replaced with
cartilage plates. As the branches become finer, the amount of cartilage decreases
and disappears into the bronchioles. (“Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center”
2015). The bronchioles are more likely to collapse because they do not have
cartilage to support them. The hyaline cartilage on the trachea helps to prevent it
from collapsing.
3. Why is air-flow restricted during an asthmatic episode and why is
wheezing usually worse when asthmatics exhale?
