imp Flashcards
What is airway resistance distribution?
About half of airway resistance is found above the larynx, and half below.
Where does the greatest resistance to flow occur in the respiratory system?
The greatest resistance to flow occurs in medium-sized airways.
Which part of the airways has the most variable resistance?
The most variable portion of airway resistance is in the small bronchi and bronchioles.
What controls the diameter of small bronchi and bronchioles?
The diameter is controlled by smooth muscle bronchomotor tone.
What is dead space in the airways?
Dead space is that part of the airways which has insufficient blood supply or too thick walls for efficient gas exchange.
What is anatomical dead space?
Anatomical dead space refers to the conducting airways and is considered normal.
What is alveolar dead space?
Alveolar dead space is pathological.
What is physiological dead space?
The sum of anatomical dead space and alveolar dead space.
