III: Dynamic Properties of the Pulmonary System

Question 1

The total resistance to breathing is the summation of _______ which are arranged in ________.

Answer 1

regional resistances; series

Question 2

Is the airway resistance high or low at high lung volumes? Why?

Answer 2

AWR is low at high volumes because the conducting airways have a larger average diameter

Question 3

Where is the highest resistance in the airways?

Answer 3

generation 4 (bronchi)

Question 4

Is the airway resistance high or low at low lung volumes? Why?

Answer 4

AWR is high at low lung volumes because the conducting airways have a smaller average diameter.

Question 5

We breathe near the FRC, where AWR is closer to its _____ value than ______ value.

Answer 5

minimum; maximum

Question 6

What is the reciprocal to AWR?

Answer 6

conductance

Question 7

What is the average respiratory period? What does this correspond to for resting breathing frequency?

Answer 7

The average respiratory period is 5s, translating to a resting breathing frequency of 12 breaths/minute.

Question 8

What happens to breathing frequency during exercise?

Answer 8

Breathing frequency increases due to shortening of the duration of inspiration and expiration, as well as the disappearance of the delay/resting period.

Question 9

What is the inverse of intrapleural pressure?

Answer 9

lung volume