Physics of Breathing Flashcards
What are the four physics laws of gas involved with breathing
Boyle’s
Dalton’s
Henry’s
Fick’s
Define Bolye’s law
At constant temperature, a gas’ pressure is inversely proportional to volume
Define Dalton’s law
The total pressure of a mixture of gasses is equal to the sum of each gas’ partial pressures
Define Henry’s law
The amount of gas in solution is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas
What are the factors that affect a gas’ ability to dissolve in a solution?
- Pressure
- Solubility
Define Fick’s law
Diffusion increases with:
- increase in surface area
- decrease in membrane thickness
- increase in partial pressure gradient
- increase in diffusion constant
Intrapleural pressure is negative/ subatmospheric due to which 2 forces
- elastic recoil of lungs
- surface tension of alveolar fluid
How does intrepleural pressure change during inhalation and exhalation
Inhalation: More subatmospheric
Exhalation: Less subatmospheric
How does a pneumothorax occur and what is a pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax: collapse of lung. happens when air leaks into pleural cavity -> intrapleural pressure dissipates-> lung collapses
Intrapleural pressure is always positive/ negative?
Negative
What is intrapulmonary pressure?
Pressure in alveoli
How does the intrapulmonary pressure change during inhalation and exhalation?
Inhalation: negative
Exhalation: positive
