Physiology Flashcards
Roles of the Pulmonary (Respiratory) system?
Roles of the Pulmonary (Respiratory) system

- *1) Regulate plasma levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide** (most important)
- *2) Regulate plasma pH**
3) Protect against inhaled pathogens
4) Provide an adequate surface for gas exchange with the external environment
5) Assure adequate alveolar air movement by alterations in rate and depth of ventilation
6) Support vocalization of sound
Why makes the interpleurral space?
Lungs have tendancy to collapse, ribs have tendancy to expand.
At rest, diaphragm is__________
relaxed
When inhaling, the diaphragm _________ and thoracic volume ________.
diaphragm contracts, thoracic volume increases
When exhaling, the diaphragm _______, and thoracic volume ________
relaxes, volume decreases
Does length of trachea, etc affect air resistance?
yes, but it’s a constant; unaffected by other things
[higher pressure gradient, higher flow
higher resistance, lower the flow]
read others on picture

what mediates bronchoconstriction?
parasympathetic neurons
histamines
leukotriens
what factors affect bronchodilation?
carbon dioside
epinephrine
(want to dilate lungs in fear rxn…)
what happens if intrapleural space is invaded? (pneumothorax)
lung collapses
VT=
tidal volume
normal volume of air displaced when breathing normally
about the same in men and women
What is ERV?
expiratory reserve volume
amount of air that can be expired from the lungs by deterined effort after normal expiration
greater in men than in women
IRV =
inspiratory reserve volume
additional amount of air you can breath in
What is inspiratory capacity?
IRV + VT
RV?
residual volume - can’t move it out of lungs
What is the difference between capacities and volumes?
capacities are sums of 2 or more volumes
What is eupnea?
normal quiet breathing
What is hypernea?
increases respiratory rate and/or vol. in response to increase metabolism
(like exercise)
What is hyperventilation?
increased respiratory rate and/or vol. without increased metabolism
(panic attack, blowing up a balloon)
What is Hypoventilation?
decreased alveolar ventilation
shallow breathing, asthma
what is Tachypnea
rapid breathing; usually increased respiratory rate with decreased depth
ie panting
what is dyspnea
difficulty breathing
various pathologies or hard exercise
what is apnea?
cessation of breathing
voluntary breath-holding, depression of CNS control centers
Define Hypoxic hypoxia
low arterial PO2
high altitude; alveolar hypoventilation, decreased lung diffusion capacity; abnormal ventilation-perfusion ratio
define anemic hypoxia
decreased total amount of O2 bound to hemoglobin
blood loss, anemia (low {Hb] or altered HbO2 binding); carbon monoxide poisoning









