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Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive diagnostic test used for detecting the percentage of hemoglobin (Hb) that is saturated with oxygen.

A pulse oximeter is the device used for performing the test. It has a probe, which is attached to the patient’s finger or ear lobe, that is connected to a computerized unit. The unit displays the percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen. In some pulse oximeter models, the heart rate and blood flow can also be monitored. The oximeter can detect hypoxia before a patient becomes cyanotic.

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The pleura is a two-layered, membranous lining of the chest cavity that covers the lungs. A slippery fluid (surfactant) coats the pleura to allow the lungs to easily slide within the chest cavity during respiration.

Tumors can develop in the pleura when a person is exposed to and inhales asbestos fibers. When the tumor is malignant, the condition is called mesothelioma. If a benign tumor develops within the pleura, due to scarring caused by asbestos, the condition is called asbestosis.

When a lung collapses (pneumothorax) and the pleural cavity becomes infected and inflamed, it causes a condition called pleurisy. This condition is extremely painful and usually requires medical attention.

Tour the Respiratory System
Pronunciation: ploor´e / PLOOR-iss-ee
Also Known As: Pleura is also called the lining of the lungs / chest cavity. Pleurisy is also called Pleuritic Chest Pain.
Common Misspellings: pluera, plora, ploura, ploora, pluerisy, plorisy, ploorisy
Examples: Mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura. Pneumothorax can cause pleurisy.

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Pilocarpine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that is extracted from plants of the Pilocarpus Rutaceae. Pilocarpine stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, causing an increase in saliva, urine and sweat production.

Examples: The sweat test, used for diagnosing cystic fibrosis, is performed by using an electrode filled with pilocarpine. The electrode is placed on the inner forearm, and a second electrode is placed on the outer forearm. A current is run through the electrodes delivering the pilocarpine under the skin.

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Definition: The pharynx, more commonly known as the throat, is the passageway that extends from the base of the skull to the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. The pharynx serves a role in respiration and digestion. The pharynx receives air from the nasal cavity, and food and water from the mouth. The pharynx opens into the larynx and the esophagus.

The pharynx is divided into three regions:

# Nasopharynx
# Oropharynx
# Laryngopharynx

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The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can exhale air. It is one of many tests that measure the function of the airways, which are commonly affected by diseases such as asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, usually a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis).

In these lung diseases, air flow during exhalation is decreased by narrowing or blockage of the airways. The severity of asthma or COPD can change with time, and peak expiratory flow monitoring is used by many patients to monitor their lung function at home. This allows them to anticipate when their breathing will become worse and to take appropriate medications or call their health care providers before symptoms become too severe.

Alternative Names:
Peak flow

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Definition: Pathology is the study of normal and diseased body tissues.

A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in the study of normal and diseased tissues.

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Definition: Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of cancer.

An Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.

Source: Living with Lung Cancer by Cox, Carr, and Lee

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Definition: Oat cell cancer is a type of cancer in which the cells resemble oats. It is one of two types of cancer found in the lungs. The other type is non-small cancer.

Oat cell cancer has two stages: Limited Stage and Extensive Stage

# Limited Stage is when the oat cell cancer is confined within the chest.
# Extensive Stage is when the oat cell cancer spreads outside of the chest area.

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Definition: Mucus is a thick liquid produced by mucous glands and goblet cells. It prevents lung damage by keeping breathing passages moist. The function of mucus is to trap foreign particles so that they may be carried up the respiratory tract and expelled.

Source: Living with Lung Cancer by Cox, Carr, and Lee
Pronunciation: mew’ kus
Examples: In chronic bronchitis, mucus is overproduced, causing obstruction to the airways.

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Definition: The medulla is one of the main structures of the hindbrain. The medulla is the enlarged tip of the spinal cord. Nerve impulses from the medulla stimulate the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. The medulla also regulates the heartbeat and adjusts the blood flow by regulating the diameter of the arterioles.

Also Known As: medulla oblongata

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