Physio - Respiratory System Flashcards
What are the primary and secondary functions of the respiratory system
P: gas exchange
S: regulation of blood pH & heat elimination
What are the major muscles involved in breathing and what role do they play
Intercostal muscles (external) - inspiration
Intercostal muscles (internal) - expiration
Diaphragm - inspiration
Describe the muscle actions involved in breathing
Inspiration:
The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, pulling the lungs down and ribcage out, expanding the lungs.
Expiration:
The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax. Internal intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribcage in, and the lungs compress.
Describe the anatomy airway
Mouth/nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, alveoli
What is the conduction zone, and what structures are involved
The conduction zone is the route which filters, heats and humidifies air
Mouth/nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles
What is the transition zone, and what structure are involved
The transition zone are structures of direct gas exchange
Alveoli
What are pleura
A thin tissue that lines the thoracic cavity and the exterior of the lungs
What is fissures
A thin sheet that separates the lung into lobes
Describe spirometry
A measure of lung function
What is tidal volume (VT) and a typical value
The volume of air in each respiratory cycle (a single breath)
400-500 mL
What is minute ventilation (VE) and how do you calculate it
The volume of air in and out of the lungs per minute
Tidal volume x frequency
What is the average breaths per minute
12-20/min
What is inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and a typical value
The volume of air inhaled above the tidal volume
~3000 mL
What is expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and a typical value
The volume of air that can be exhaled below the tidal volume
~1000 mL
What is residual volume (RV) and a typical value
The volume of air left in the lungs after maximal expiration
~1200 mL
