Senior Science

9.3 Medical Technology Bionics

Section 4

Life
Support
Systems

9.3 Medical Technology Bionics ::: Section 4

9.3.4 Life support systems can be used to sustain life during operations or while
the body repairs itself

9.3.4.a

Describe the structures of the respiratory system and identify their function
including
trachea
bronchi
alveoli
capillary network around the alveoli

9.3.4.b

Explain why cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques can maintain life when

the heart has ceased beating

9.3.4.c

Identify that artificial lungs remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it
with oxygen

9.3.4.d

Discuss the type of operations that would require the use of an artificial lung

9.3.4.e

Identify the devices that constitute life support systems in any major hospital

9.3.4.i

Perform an investigation to model the action of the diaphragm in inhalation and

exhalation

9.3.4.ii

Perform a first-hand investigation to identify carbon dioxide in inhaled air and in

exhaled air and determine which has the greater concentration

9.3.4.iii

Gather, process and present information from secondary sources to identify

monitoring and other devices that constitute life support systems and use
available evidence to explain their roles in maintaining life

P Wilkinson 2002-04

The role of the respiratory system

All of the cells in our body require a supply of oxygen. This is used in cells to turn food into
energy allowing the body to move, grow and reproduce.
The word respiration defines two processes

Internal or cellular respiration glucose or some other small molecule (broken down by
digestion) is oxidised to produce energy (and carbon dioxide)

External respiration (breathing) involves the intake of air (oxygen) and the removal of
carbon dioxide from the lungs (gas exchenge).

The most important role of the respiratory system is to exchange gases. Blood removes
oxygen from the lungs and releases carbon dioxide to the lungs. Humans would not be able
to survive without this exchange of gases.

9.3.4.a

Describe the structures of the respiratory system and identify their function
including
trachea
bronchi
alveoli
capillary network around the alveoli

The structures of the respiratory system and their function

The respiratory tract begins at:
the nose and mouth,
then the trachea, which divides into the right and left bronchi,
then into smaller bronchi and bronchioles
eventually ending in alveoli.
Surrounding the alveoli is a capillary network
To be suitable for acceptance by the lungs, the outside air must
Be warmed to body temperature regardless of air temperature
Be saturated with water vapour regardless of the humidity
Be free of dust and debris, when it reaches the alveoli
Be free of micro-organisms, which may cause problems if they enter the blood
These functions and others must be completed as air travels down the various structures of
the respiratory system
The conducting passages consist of muscle and/or cartilage and are lined with mucus. They
conduct 10,000 litres of air daily. The air is heated as it passes through these passages.
3
P Wilkinson 2002-04

The incoming air picks up moisture from the mucus. In addition the mucus traps the
foreign matter that enters with the air. Small hair like projections called cilia line all the
passages of the respiratory system. Their function is to move the mucus and the foreign
matter it contains to the mouth. This helps protect the respiratory system. In the mouth the
mucus and foreign material is swallowed and then sterilised in the stomach.
The cilia within the air passages beat at 1000 to 1500 times
per minute. This moves the mucus at 0.5 to 1 mm/minute in
the small airways and, up to 5 to 20 mm/minute, in the
trachea and main bronchi. All foreign material collected in the
lungs is normally removed within 24 hours. Ciliated cells may
suffer damage from agents such as cigarette smoke. This
damage can lead to a lack of function and an increased rate
of infection.
Nose The function of the nasal passages is to act as
moisteners (mucus), filters (mucus and nose hairs) and
warms (blood in capillaries) the air
Pharynx and Larynx throat area; sounds made in the larynx; epiglottis prevents food and
drink from entering lungs
Trachea a tube fitted with rings of cartilage, which prevent it from collapsing under low
pressure. It contains mucus and cilia to moisten, filter and warm the air. Air from the
trachea enters two smaller tubes called bronchi. These are not the same size. The left lung
is smaller than the right lung to accommodate the heart (the heart is situated slightly to the left
side of the chest).
Bronchi two smaller tubes with rings of cartilage also containing mucus and cilia. Each
bronchus delivers air to one of the lungs. Air from each bronchus passes into paired
branches of unequal length and diameter. The greater airflow in the larger diameter branches
means that the air reaches all parts of the lungs at approximately the same time and the
amount of air is uniform. The number of alveoli at the end of that branch controls the
diameter.
Bronchioles smaller and smaller tubes with
thinner and thinner walls; have no cartilage
below a certain diameter.
The smallest
bronchioles lead to alveolar sacs. Each sac
contains about 20 tiny air spaces called
alveoli.
Alveoli are small sacs at the ends of
bronchioles. The function of these sacs is to
provide the place where gaseous exchange
occurs.
P Wilkinson 2002-04

Gaseous exchange relies on simple diffusion.

To do this effectively the sacs have the
following structure:
A large surface area. The surface area of
the 300,000,000 alveoli sacs is large,
approximately 140 square metres.
A very short diffusion path between the
oxygen and the blood. The air and blood
are separated by 1/1000th of a millimetre.
An appropriate concentration gradient for
oxygen and carbon dioxide, between air and
blood needs to be maintained. The processes
of breathing and circulation, maintains the
desired concentration gradients.
Some particles do not get caught in the mucus and end up in the alveloi. Special cells, called
alveolar macrophages absorb the particles and then destroy them or carry them to the
mucus. They are the main defence mechanism for the lungs.
The capillary network is a network of very small capillaries in the walls of each alveolus. Its
function is to collect oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The network structure exists to
maximise the gas exchange that occurs in the alveoli. A thin layer of tissue separates the air
and the blood. The exchange of gases takes in only 0.25 second as oxygen enters the
circulatory system and carbon dioxide leaves it. A red blood cell takes three times as long to
pass through the capillary. The entire blood supply (about 5 litres) passes through the lungs
each minute.
Questions
1. Define or describe the terms [7 marks]
diffusion, exchange, filter, mucus, network, sterilised, tract
2. Name the structures of the respiratory system that contain mucus.

[1 mark]

3. Name the structures of the respiratory system that contain cilia.

[1 mark]

4. Name the structures mentioned that help protect the respiratory system.

[1 mark]

5. Describe the structures of the respiratory system and identify their function including the
trachea, bronchi, alveoli and capillary network around the alveoli. Put the information into
a table similar to the one below.
[12 marks]
[NB Describe means to identify features &/or characteristics]
Structure
P Wilkinson 2002-04

Description of structure
5

Identify function of structure

9.3.4.b

Explain why cardio-pulmonary resuscitation techniques can maintain life when

the heart has ceased beating

CPR Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation

A person whose heart has stopped beating can be kept alive by rescuers who provide:
artificial ventilation of the lungs (mouth to mouth breathing external air resuscitation) and
artificial circulation of blood (external cardiac compression).
Together this procedure is known as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.
It is called CPR because it involves the cardiac muscle and pulmonary circulation. The heart
is made up of special muscle tissue called cardiac muscle. Pulmonary circulation involves
blood flow from the heart to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. This blood is deficient in
oxygen. As well, it involves blood flow from the lungs to the heart via the pulmonary vein.
This blood is rich in oxygen since oxygen is absorbed at the lungs.
In CPR mouth to mouth breathing provides a supply of oxygen that can be absorbed by blood
in the lungs. The fresh air we breathe in contains 21% oxygen; the lungs absorb 5% of this
oxygen, and so the air we breathe out contains 16% oxygen. That is, mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation is effective in providing oxygen to the lungs because there is enough
oxygen (16%) in the air that is breathed out. This oxygen is absorbed by circulating
blood and therefore life can be maintained.

Diagrams

Diagrams

External cardiac compression (a rhythmic compression of the chest) is designed to squeeze

the heart between the sternum and backbone. This causes blood to be pumped out of the
heart. External cardiac compression is effective because it will provide enough
movement of blood to sustain life and prevent the brain damage, when combined with
mouth to mouth. This is provided the blood is collecting oxygen as it passes through
the lungs.
People who experience a heart attack have about a 1 in 20 chance of survival but if CPR is
performed until medical help arrives, the chances improve to 1 in 4. CPR is also applicable in
cases of drowning, electrocution, suffocation and drug overdose. The use of CPR may also
P Wilkinson 2002-04

be therapeutic for those who witness any of these occurrences. They may feel helpless
unless they become involved in helping.

P Wilkinson 2002-04

9.3.4.c

Identify that artificial lungs remove carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen

9.3.4.d

Discuss the type of operations that would require the use of an artificial lung

Artificial Lungs
Artificial lungs remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen.
The chief role of the lungs is to supply oxygen to, and remove carbon dioxide from, the
circulatory system. Operations where either of these two functions is affected would require
the use of an artificial lung.
The first external artificial lung the iron lung was developed in 1928. This device is used
to treat patients whose muscles and organs of breathing have been paralysed. The iron lung
saved many lives in the 1950s, when polio epidemics caused respiratory paralysis. The iron
lung helped people to breathe by reducing the pressure in the device, which surrounded the
patient. This restricted the patients ability to move.
Today other kinds of respiratory machines are used. Positive pressure ventilators, which
forced air into the lungs were developed in the 1950s. Most of these units needed an
artificial airway and required a great deal of effort on the patients part. A tube placed through
a surgical incision in the throat created the artificial airway. Modern ventilators provide
gaseous interchange through a nose or face-mask and require very little effort on the patients
part. Most are computer controlled to mimic the patients breathing more efficiently.
Lung replacement in humans is possible but
there are not enough donors.
Also
complications can occur because the
transplant may be rejected.
The IMO
(Intravenous Membrane Oxygenator) is a
device that performs the same function as
the natural lungs. Absorption of oxygen and
removal of carbon dioxide occurs but it
operates differently to natural lungs. The
IMO is intended for patients with pneumonia,
chronic lung disease and organ transplant
operations.
The IMO is fitted within the vena cava (see
diagram opposite). It consists of hundreds of
hollow fibre membranes and an inflatingdeflating balloon (see diagram below). The
balloon improves oxygen absorption and
carbon dioxide removal but can cause
damage to the blood and clotting.
P Wilkinson 2002-04

Artificial lungs are widely used as the lung part of the heart-lung machines needed during
open-heart surgery. This is a short time application, for the length of an operation. More work
is being done to increase this time, up to a number of weeks, so that sufferers of acute but
reversible respiratory distress may be helped and ultimately for years as a permanent
transplant.
The device is shown below, as is its positioning in the body. The IMO is placed before the
lungs, so that blood can be oxygenated as much as possible and then any addition from the
lungs will be of extra benefit.
What to do
Read and answer the following question
Discuss the type of operations that would require the
use of an artificial lung
The question provides no structure, yet it requires an extended answer. In order to answer
the question a plan needs to be developed. The steps below show one way of developing a
plan.
Step 1

Underline and recall meanings of the important words in the question

Type of operations, Artificial lung

Step 2

Circle the KEY (Board of Studies) verb in the question and recall the meaning of
the verb(s). Discuss identify issues; provide points for and against.

Step 3

Make a list of issues that could be used to answer the question

Provide points for and against some of these issues
[NB this step may require some research]
Identify the function of an artificial lung
Identify the type of operations that would require an artificial lung
Explain how the artificial lung is useful on ONE operation

Step 4

Write an answer.

P Wilkinson 2002-04

9.3.4.e

Identify the devices that constitute life support systems in any major hospital

Life support systems

Without the support of many devices people would die. Such devices constitute life support
systems. These include:
Heart rate monitors
Artificial lungs
Artificial heart
Kidney dialysis machines

9.3.4.iii

Gather, process and present information from secondary sources to identify

monitoring and other devices that constitute life support systems and use
available evidence to explain their roles in maintaining life

Life Support Systems

There are a large number of monitoring and other devices that constitute life support systems.
One such device is the kidney dialysis machine.
The kidneys are complex organs that have a number of important functions. The most
important function is the production of urine. This liquid removes a number of wastes from
the body. If these wastes are not removed from the body poisons build up in the body, and
death can result.
If the kidneys do not function adequately, people can be kept alive by a kidney dialysis
machine. A dialysis machine filters blood by removing excess fluid and wastes such as urea,
that is it supports or replaces kidney function. Tube connects the machine to an artery in the
patients arm. Blood flows into the machine where the blood is filtered. Another tube carries
blood back into a vein in the arm. This is a life support device because if the wastes were not
removed toxins would build up in the body and the patient would eventually die.
Research
Choose one life support system.
Explain the role of this life support system in maintaining life.

P Wilkinson 2002-04

10

9.3.4.i

Perform an investigation to model the action of the diaphragm in inhalation and

exhalation

Introduction
A very simplified operation of the lungs can be viewed using the equipment below. While the
movement of the ribs cannot be shown and the filling of the balloons is marginal, the process
is adequately mimicked.
Air enters the lungs when the chest cavity is
expanded. To do this, the ribs are pulled
outward and the diaphragm contracts and
moves downward. This reduces the pressure
of gases in the lungs. Since the air pressure
outside is higher than the air pressure inside
the lungs, air is forced in.
Air is exhaled when the muscles relax and the
diaphragm moves up to its original position.
The reduction in the volume of the chest,
coupled with the increased amount of air in the
lungs, results in a larger pressure inside the
lungs than outside the lungs. Air is exhaled.
What to do
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Stretch the bottom elastic section downwards.

Observe what happens to the balloon lungs
Identify the part of the balloon lungs that acts as the diaphragm.
[1 mark]
Outline the role of the diaphragm in real lungs.
[2 marks]
Complete the table below.
[5 marks]
Copy and then label the parts of the balloon lungs as indicated.
[3 marks]
Outline the parts of the respiratory system not modelled by the balloon lungs. [3 marks]
Model lung

Real Lung

Inhalation
Rubber diaphragm stretched down
Volume of container INCREASES
Air pressure decreases
[Air moves from areas of high to low pressure]
Air flows into balloons and they expand

Inhalation
Ribs pulled out; diaphragm pulled down

Exhalation

Exhalation

P Wilkinson 2002-04

11

9.3.4.ii

Perform a first-hand investigation to identify carbon dioxide in inhaled air and in

exhaled air and determine which has the greater concentration

CO2 in inhaled and exhaled air

Introduction
The following equipment can be used to find a qualitative measure of the relative amount of
carbon dioxide gas in air, which is inhaled, compared to that which is exhaled. By breathing
slowly into the mouthpiece inhaled air will pass through the limewater solution in flask 1 and
into the subject. As the subject breathes out, exhaled air will pass through the limewater
solution in flask 2. The limewater undergoes a chemical reaction with carbon dioxide to
produce insoluble calcium carbonate, which gives a milky appearance to the solution. The
greater the amount of carbon dioxide the more precipitate produced and the whiter the
solution.
calcium oxide + carbon dioxide

calcium carbonate

What to do
1. Set up the equipment drawn below and perform the experiment.

P Wilkinson 2002-04

12

Write a laboratory report of this investigation using the lab report scaffold.
H13 13.1a Select and use appropriate text types for written presentations

a. Write a heading for the investigation

b. Write an aim for the investigation.
c. Make a list of equipment needed.
d. List possible risks and other safety factors
H11 11.3b Carry out a risk assessment of the intended investigation
H12 12.1d Identify and use safe working practices during investigations

e. Write a method for the investigation.

Be sure that in your instructions it is clear that:
one variable (independent) is being deliberately changed by the experimenter.
it is expected that only one other variable will change (dependent)
some variables need to be controlled for all groups
there is a control group
there is an experimental group
the instructions are logical and repeatable
the experiment is repeated enough to obtain reliable results
f. Write down what you observe in the results section. Draw a labelled diagram.
H13 13.1e Use pictorial representations to present information clearly and succinctly

g. Write a conclusion.
H14 14.1a Analyse results to identify trends

2. Complete the discussion questions.

Discussion
1. Name the independent variable.
2. Name the dependent variable.
H11 11.2a demonstrate use of the terms independent and dependent to describe variables

3. Identify variables that need to be kept constant.

4. Identify the control in this experiment
5. Discuss why a control is necessary.
H11 11.2b identify variables that need to be kept constant; demonstrate use of a control

6. Describe how the dependent variable is measured in this investigation.

7. Explain why the method described is appropriate.
H11 11.2d Describe procedures to undertake investigations & explain why a procedure is appropriate

8. How many times should this experiment be repeated for the results to be reliable?
9. Identify one reason why this experiment is repeatable.
10. Identify a design fault in this experiment that could lead to an invalid conclusion.
11. Evaluate the validity of the data collected in this investigation.
H12 12.4d Evaluate the validity of first-hand data in relation to the area of investigation
P Wilkinson 2002-04

13

 P Wilkinson 2002-04

14