Aerospace Physiology Flashcards by Kevin Brisker

What is the approximate percentage of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases at 18,000 feet MSL?

21 percent oxygen, 78 percent nitrogen, and 1 percent other gases.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which is the best description of atmospheric pressure and its cause?

The combined weight of all the atmospheric gases which is caused by thermal and solar radiation.
The combined weight of all the atmospheric gases which is caused by gravity pulling the gas molecules earthward and thermal and solar radiation expanding the gases outward toward space.
The weight of gas around the Earth which is caused by thermal and solar radiation.

The combined weight of all the atmospheric gases which is caused by gravity pulling the gas molecules earthward and thermal and solar radiation expanding the gases outward toward space.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the common units used to measure atmospheric pressure?

Inches of mercury (inHg), Millimeters of mercury (mmHg), Pounds per square inch (psi)

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which represents the notation for the partial pressure of gases?

PPO2 partial pressure of oxygen, PPCO2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide, PPN2 partial pressure of nitrogen.
PO2 partial pressure of oxygen, PCO2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide, PN2 partial pressure of nitrogen.
psi O2 partial pressure of oxygen, psi CO2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide, psi N2 partial pressure of nitrogen.

PO2 partial pressure of oxygen, PCO2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide, PN2 partial pressure of nitrogen.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False

PO2 increases and the percentage of oxygen decreases as the altitude increases.

False

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the temperature lapse rate up to approximately 35,000 feet?

About 2 °C per 1,000 feet

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

The human body is adapted to which physiological division of the atmosphere?

Physiological zone

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What law explains this?

Explains why a balloon expands as it ascends and why a volume of air expands when trapped in a body cavity when the pressure is reduced around it.

Boyle’s Law

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What law explains this?

Explains why the temperature increases in a cylinder that is being pressurized.

Ideal Gas Law

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What law explains this?

Explains how oxygen moves out of the lungs into the bloodstream.

Law of Gaseous Diffusion

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What law explains this?

Explains why a soda pop bubbles after it is opened.

Henry’s Law

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What law explains this?

Explains how exposure to a high altitude can reduce the available oxygen

Dalton’s Law
(Partial Pressure)

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the definition of human factors?

Human Factors is concerned to optimize the relationship between people and their activities, by the systematic application of human sciences, integrated within the framework of systems engineering.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Define the SHEL Model

What does each letter stand for?

S - Software
H - Hardware
E - Environment
L - Liveware

Software is rules, regulations, and policies.

Software is rules, regulations, and policies. Hardware is equipment, material, and physical assets. Environment is where cockpit and flightdeck. Liveware is human performance.

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the percentage of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide plus other trace gases in the atmosphere?

Nitrogen - 71%
Oxygen - 21%
Carbon Dioxide - 1%

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False?

Does the composition of the atmosphere remain constant as altitude increases?

True

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the difference between the suffix sphere and pause?

Sphere - the layer
Pause - the boundary between the next layer

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How high does the Troposphere go?

0 to 30,000 or 60,000 feet

30,000 over North/South Pole
60,000 over equator

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How high does the Stratosphere go?

30,000 to 30 Miles

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How high does the Mesophere go?

30 Miles to 55 Miles

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How high does the Thermosphere (Ionosphere) go?

55 Miles to 435 Miles

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How high does the Exosphere go?

435 Miles to 1200 Miles

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What atmospheric layer contains most of the ozone?

Thermosphere (Ionosphere)

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False?

Pressure cannot be measured at any atltitude

False

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does mmHg stand for?

Millimeters of Mercury

What does inHg stand for?

Inches of Mercury

# True or False Pressure can be measure in pounds per square inch

True

What is atmospheric pressure at sea level?

15 ˚C 760 mmHg 29.92 inMg

Where does the greatest pressure change occur at lower atmospheric levels?

0 to 18,000 feet MSL

Define standard lapse rate

Temp decreases 2 ˚C per 1,000 feet

What how far does the standard lapse rate go?

0 to 35,000 feet

How high up does the physiological zone extend?

0 to 10,000 feet

At what altitude must you use supplemental oxygen?

Above 10,000 feet

What altitude is the Physiological Deficient Zone?

10,000 to 50,000 feet

The purpose of respiration is to get *blank* into the body and remove excess *blank*.

Oxygen Carbon Dioxide

What is the normal breathing rate of an average adult?

12 – 16 breaths per minute

What is/are the site(s) of gas exchange in the lung between the atmosphere and the blood?

Alveoli

What is the most important factor in the control of ventilation under normal conditions?

PCO2 (Partial Carbon Dioxide)

What is the main function of red blood cells?

Carry oxygen

What are the phases of respiration? | If you were an oxygen molecule what would your life cycle be?

1. Ventilation 2. Diffusion 3. Transportation 4. Diffusion 5. Utilization

Define inspiration within the act of respiration

Contraction of the diaphragm. | Downward movement (Inhale)

What is the function of circulation?

To transport/distribute nutrients and oxygen to tissue, remove waste, and help regulate body temperature

What makes up the system of circulation?

Heart - Pump Arteries & Veins - distributing/collecting tubes Capillaries - allow rapid exchange of oxygen between tissue and vascular channels

What is hypoxia?

Lack of oxygen in the blood causing impairment of function

What can of hypoxia can occur as altitude is increased?

Hypoxic Hypoxia

What kind of hypoxia can occur as G's are loaded?

Stagnant Hypoxia

What kind of hypoxia can occur when toxic gases cause the blood to carry less oxygen?

Hypemic Hypoxia

What kind of hypoxia occurs when toxic gases cause the tissues to take up less oxygen?

Histotoxic Hypoxia

During ascent (as ambient pressure decreases), gases trapped within body cavities will BLANK. ## Footnote AP103

Expand

The four areas of the body influenced by the mechanical effects of trapped gases are: ## Footnote AP103

1. Ears 2. Sinuses 3. GI Tract 4. Teeth

What is the best method of preventing problems with the ears and sinuses in-flight? a. Breathe 100 percent oxygen under positive pressure. b. Do not fly with a cold. c. Perform the Valsalva maneuver frequently on descent. ## Footnote AP103

Do not fly with a cold

What are symptoms of decompression sickness associated with the bends? ## Footnote AP103

* Deep, dull boring pain in a joint * Pain may involve the muscles * Usually occurs in shoulders, knees, elbows, and ankles

What are symptoms of decompression sickness associated with the chokes? ## Footnote AP103

* Deep, sharp pain centrally located under the sternum * Difficulty with inspiration

What are symptoms of decompression sickness associated with skin manifestations? ## Footnote AP103

* Mottled and diffuse rash * Itching sensation

What are symptoms of decompression sickness associated with the central nervous system (neurological manifestations)? ## Footnote AP103

* Visual disturbance * Partial paralysis, loss of speech or hearing * Severe, persistent headache * Vertigo, loss of orientation * Tingling of one arm, leg, or side of the body

DCS is caused by *BLANK* coming out of solution in the tissues and blood. ## Footnote AP103

Nitrogen

List, in order, the corrective actions for any suspected or observed DCS. a. ??? oxygen. b. ??? the affected area. c. ??? as soon as practical. d. Obtain ??? (flight surgeon). e. ??? therapy (if required). ## Footnote AP103

a. 100% or Maximum b. Immobilize c. Land d. medical assistance e. hyperbaric

Adequate protection against DCS can be established by ??? and or ??? ## Footnote AP103

Cabin pressure denitrogenation

The USAF forbids flight within ??? hours of a compressed air exposure for all normal flying operations. ## Footnote AP103

??? is a state of oxygen deficiency in the blood, cells or tissues sufficient to cause an impairment of function. ## Footnote AP103

Hypoxia

??? ??? is usually caused by exposure to low barometric pressure. | Two words ## Footnote AP103

Hypoxic Hypoxia

Which hypoxia is caused by loss of cabin pressure, oxygen equipment malfunctions, and improper use of oxygen equipment? ## Footnote AP103

Hypoxic Hypoxia

Which hypoxia is caused by cold temperatures, shock, hyperventilation, and "G" forces? ## Footnote AP103

Stagnant Hypoxia

Which hypoxia is caused by drugs, carbon monoxide, and blood donation? ## Footnote AP103

Hypemic Hypoxia

Which hypoxia is caused by alcohol and cyanide? ## Footnote AP103

Histotoxic Hypoxic

The most dangerous characteristic of hypoxia is its ??? ???. ## Footnote AP103

insidious onset | subtle

# Which signs/symptoms are normally associated with hypoxia? 1. Bluing (cyanosis) 2. Impaired vision 3. Muscle ache 4. Hot or cold flashes 5. Dizziness 6. Light headedness 7. Loss of muscle coordination 8. Apprehension 9. Feeling of well being 10. Pain on inhalation 11. Tingling 12. Impaired judgment/confusion ## Footnote AP103

All but 3 and 10

# True or False? The time of onset of hypoxia and the severity of symptoms are identical with all crewmembers from one day to the next. ## Footnote AP103

False

What is it called when after receiving 100% oxygen, symptoms seem to get worse? ## Footnote AP103

Oxygen Paradox

??? is the period of time from the interruption of the oxygen supply or exposure to an oxygen poor environment, to the time when useful function is lost. ## Footnote AP103

Time of usefull consciousness

# Which of the following factors decrease TUC? (Select all that apply) * Increased physical activity * Stress * Sufficient oxygen supplies * Hypoxia (histotoxic, hypemic, stagnant) * Rapid decompression * Anxiety * Increased altitude | Time of usefull consciousness ## Footnote AP103

* Increased Physical Activity * Stress * Hypoxia * Rapid Decompression * Anxiety * Increased Altitude | All but sufficient oxygen supplies

A ??? can reduce your TUC by as much as ??? percent. ## Footnote AP103

Rapid decompression 50%

Hyperventilation is a condition in which the ??? and or ??? of breathing is abnormally increased. ## Footnote AP103

Rate Depth

Hypocapnia causes an excessive loss of __________ from the lungs and blood. ## Footnote AP103

Carbon Dioxide

List five signs and five symptoms of hypocapnia. ## Footnote AP103

**Signs**: muscle tightness/spasms, increased rate/depth of breathing, paleness, cold, clammy skin, unconsciousness **Symptoms**: dizziness, faintness, slight nausea, numbness, tingling, coolness, muscle tremors

# True or False? The most frequent cause of hypocapnia in flying training is stress. ## Footnote AP103

True

# Complete the crewmember’s EP for the treatment of hypocapnia or hypoxia. a. ________oxygen under ____ b. Connections --- c. Breathe at a ____ and depth slightly less than normal until symptoms _____. d. Descend below ____ feet MSL and land as soon as ____. ## Footnote AP103

a. Maximum; pressure b. Check security c. rate; disappear d. 10,000; practical

What is the difference between signs and symptoms? ## Footnote AP103

**Signs**: Something you can see in somebody else **Symptoms**: Something only you can feel

# The primary purpose for aircraft pressurization is to: 1. reduce/prevent and control trapped gas expansion. 2. eliminate pressure breathing and 100 percent oxygen. 3. reduce/prevent decompression sickness and hypoxia. ## Footnote AP104

reduce/prevent decompression sickness and hypoxia.

List additional advantages of aircraft pressurization. ## Footnote AP104

Reduced need for supplemental oxygen, Reduced expansion of G.I. gas, Control temperature and humidity, Move without encumbrance of oxygen equipment, Minimize fatigue, Protect ears/sinuses from rapid pressure change

The primary, and most critical, disadvantage of aircraft pressurization is the potential for a __________. ## Footnote AP104

Decompression

What are physical indications of rapid decompression? ## Footnote AP104

Explosive noise, windblast/flying debris, fogging, temperature drop, pressure drop

What are factors affecting decompressions? ## Footnote AP104

Speed, initial difference, and pressure ratio

What are the types of decompression? Explain ## Footnote AP104

Explosive: quickest, occurring in less than half a second. Has potential to damage the lungs. Rapid: 0.5 to 15 secs and easily recognized. Time of useful consciousness is reduced after rapid decompression. Slow: potentially the most dangerous because may be unnoticed. Requires descent to or below 10,000 feet.

What kind of pressurization system does the T-6 have? ## Footnote AP104

Isobaric-Differential System

At what altitudes is the T-6 cabin unpressurized? ## Footnote AP104

0 to 8,000 feet

At what altitudes is the T-6 cabin pressure held constant? And what altitude is it held constant at? ## Footnote AP104

18,069 and above Cabin pressure held at 16,600