Gas Exchange And Transport Flashcards
Bronchial circulation
Is systemic but small, brings nutrients to bronchioles
Pulmonary circulation
High flow, low pressure (25mmHg, normal is 120)
PACO2
40mmHg
PaCO2
40mmHg
PAO2
100mmHg
PaO2
100mmHg
PvCO2
46mmHg
PvO2
40mmHg
Things that affect rate of diffusion across membrane
Partial pressure gradient, gas solubility, available surface area, thickness of membrane
Why does CO2 diffuse faster than O2
It is much more soluble
Emphysema
Destruction of alveoli decreases surface area for gas exchange, PAO2 decreases
Fibrotic lung disease
Thickened alveolar membrane slows gas exchange, PAO2 decreases. Shows on xray
Pulmonary oedema
Fluid in interstitial space increases diffusion distance, PACO2 may still be normal as CO2 is very water soluble
Asthma
Bronchioles are constricted, O2 low in both
Ventilation perfusion relationship
Should ideally match each other in L/min
Blood flow and ventilation in Base of lungs
Blood flow > ventilation as arterial pressure>alveolar pressure, alveoli are compressed
Blood flow and ventilation in apex of lungs
Blood flow < ventilation as arterial pressure < alveolar pressure so arterioles are compressed.
Where does ventilation match perfusion
Rib 3
Ventilation perfusion ratio
Mostly mismatches at apex, 75% works well
Autoregulation when ventilation < blood flow
Creates a shunt which dilutes oxygenated blood. Decreased PO2 around these alveoli constricts their arterioles and blood is diverted. This response only happens in pulmonary vessels. Increased PO2 also causes mild bronchodilation.
Autoregulation when ventilation > blood flow
Alveolar dead space is created. Increased PO2 causes pulmonary vasodilation and decreased PCO2 causes mild bronchial constriction.