Lung Mechanics Flashcards
Name the pleura and where they are found
Visceral - attached to lungs
Parietal - attached to chest wall
Define distend
Swell or cause to swell by pressure from the inside
What is the formula for elasticity?
Elasticity (E) = change in Pressure / change in Volume
What is the formula for compliance?
Compliance (C) = change in Volume / change in Pressure
Unit of elasticity?
CmH2O/L
Unit of compliance?
L/cmH2O
Describe the three types of pneumothorax and what happens with each
- Chest wall, parietal pleura pierced - lung does not expand/contract
- Chest wall, parietal, visceral, lung pierced - air leaks from lung
- Parietal, visceral, lung pierced (tension) - ventilation goes into pleural space
Role of type 1 alveolar cells?
Allow diffusion of O2 and CO2
Role of type 2 alveolar cells?
Secrete surfactant to decrease surface tension of alveolar cells
Difference between respiration and ventilation and oxygenation?
Respiration is the metabolic pathways at the cellular level
Ventilation is the removal of CO2 from the lungs
Oxygenation is the bringing in of oxygen into the respiratory system
As lung expands, compliance _________ and elasticity _________?
Compliance decreases and elasticity increases.
Explain LePlace’s Law
As alveolus becomes smaller, the surface tension increases. This makes it more likely for the smaller alveolus to collapse.
Natural tendency of lungs is to ________ and tendency of thorax is to ________.
Lungs to collapse, thorax to expand