Category: EMT
- Medical Terminology 3 ()
- Medical Terminology 2 ()
- Medical Terminology Part 1 ()
- Introduction to Medical Terminology ()
Medicine (as a practice) as we know it has only existed for around 120 years. Medicine as a study has existed since civilization first began. The academic treasures of the ancient world were assimilated into the Roman empire (which lasted almost 1000 years). The medical knowledge of the years were translated into Latin and marched […]
- Chemical and Neurological Control of Involuntary Respiration ()
Involuntary respiration is any form of respiratory control that is not under direct, conscious control. Breathing is required to sustain life, so involuntary respiration allows it to happen when voluntary respiration is not possible, such as during sleep. Involuntary respiration also has metabolic functions that work even when a person is conscious. The Respiratory Centers […]
- The Dead Space Gets Filled Up Before Any Air Gets Into The Lungs ()
Dead space represents the volume of ventilated air that does not participate in gas exchange. The two types of dead space are anatomical dead space and physiologic dead space. Anatomical dead space is represented by the volume of air that fills the conducting zone of respiration made up by the nose, trachea, and bronchi. This […]
- Respiratory Volumes & Capacities ()
Spirometry is the most common type of pulmonary function or breathing test. Spirometry is used to determine a given patient’s lung volumes and capacities as the test measures how much air one can breathe in and out of their lungs. Ambulances do not carry such devices. Discussing lung capacities for EMS personnel is complete hypothetical. […]
- It Takes Negative Pressure To Inhale ()
Inspiration (or inhalation) and expiration (or exhalation) are dependent on the differences in pressure between the atmosphere and the lungs. In a gas, pressure is a force created by the movement of gas molecules that are confined. For example, a certain number of gas molecules in a two-liter container has more room than the same […]
- Mechanics of Breathing ()
The relationship between gas pressure and volume helps to explain the mechanics of breathing. Boyle’s Law is the gas law which states that in a closed space, pressure and volume are inversely related. As volume decreases, pressure increases and vice versa. When discussing the detailed mechanics of breathing, it is important to keep this inverse […]
- The Trachea and Bronchial Tree ()
The Trachea The larynx, commonly called the voice box or glottis, is the passageway for air between the pharynx above and the trachea below. It extends from the fourth to the sixth vertebral levels. The larynx is often divided into three sections: sublarynx, larynx, and supralarynx. It is formed by nine cartilages that are connected […]