Oxygenation Flashcards
Characteristics of the Trachea
-4 – 5 inches long
-Extends from the larynx to the primary bronchi
What is the primary function of the lungs?
transfer oxygen from the atmosphere into the alveoli and carbon dioxide out of the body as a waste product
What is the function of the alveolar capillary membrane?
oxygen transfers to the blood, and carbon dioxide transfers from the blood to the alveoli.
Alveoli
Where o2 is exchanged for co2
Name and explain the steps of oxygenation
Ventilation: The process of moving gases into and out of the lungs
Perfusion: The ability of the cardiovascular system to pump oxygenated blood to the tissues and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs
Diffusion: Exchange of respiratory gases in the alveoli and capillaries
Inspiration/Expiration
An active process stimulated by chemical receptors in the aorta; a passive process for expiration
Pulmonary Circulation
Moves blood to and from the alveolar capillary membranes for gas exchange
Carbon dioxide transport
Diffuses into red blood cells and is hydrated into carbonic acid
How are normal lung values determined?
Age
Gender
Height
Tidal Volume
Amount of air exhaled after normal inspiration
Residual Volume
The amount of air left in the alveoli after a full expiration
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Maximum amount of air that can be removed from the lungs during forced expiration
Spirometry
Measures the volume of air entering or leaving the lun
What are two types of respiratory regulation?
Neural Regulation (CNS)
-rate, depth and rhythm
Chemical Regulation
-Maintain rate and depth of respirations based on changes of CO2 and O2, and in hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in blood
Why is respiratory regulation necessary?
To ensure sufficient oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination to meet the demands of the body (e.g., during exercise, infection, or pregnancy
What is diffusion in the respiratory system?
Process for exchange of respiratory gases in the alveoli and capillaries of the body tissues. Takes place at alveolar capillary membrane
What can affect the thickness of the alveolar membrane and why does that matter?
Increased thickness of the membrane impedes diffusion because gases take longer to transfer across the membrane. Patients with pulmonary edema, pulmonary infiltrates, or pulmonary effusion have a thickened membrane, resulting in slow diffusion, slow exchange of respiratory gases, and decreased delivery of oxygen to tissues. Chronic diseases (e.g., emphysema), acute diseases (e.g.,
What is hemoglobin?
Carrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide, transports most oxygen (approximately 97%)
Cardiac Output
Amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle each minute
Normal: 4-6 L/m
Stroke Volume
Amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each contraction
Cardiac output (CO) =
Stroke volume (SV) × Heart rate (HR)
Preload
End-diastolic pressure