physiology & anatomy Flashcards
main anatomical features of airways
mucosa
basement membrane
smooth muscle matrix extending to alveolar entrances
fibrocartilaginous or fibroelastic-supporting connective tissue
main anatomical features of lung
cartilaginous bronchi
membranous bronchi
gas-exchanging bronchi - resp bronchioles and alveolar ducts
classes of airways
upper and lower
upper airways :
nose , nasal cavity
pharynx
lower airways : larynx trachea bronchial tree lungs
two types of alveolar cells and functions
pneumocytes
type 1 : makes up majority of alveoli , gas exchange occurs - air passes through into capillaries
type 2 : secretes pulmonary surfactant
important in preventing collapse of lungs
macrophages - dust cells, clean up alveoli of lungs
functions of resp system
inhalation and exhalation of gases gas exchange - move fresh air into body while removing waste gases protect acid-base balance olfactory
pulmonary v systemic circulation
pulmonary : between heart and lungs
- RV - pulm arteries - lungs - pulm veins - LA
systemic : between heart and body
- LV - aorta - body - IVC/SVC - RA
points of gas exchange between resp and cardio systems
walls of alveoli share membrane with capillaries - allows oxygen and CO2 to diffuse/move freely
O2 molecules attach to RBCs, which travel to heart
why, and how, does resistance to air flow vary across resp tree?
as radius increases, resistance to airflow decreases during inspiratory phase
conversely
in expiration, intrathoracic pressure increases due to lower volume of thoracic cavity -> leads to narrowing of small airways, so resistance is higher
define ventilation
refers to flow of air in and out of alveoli
higher at base
define perfusion
refers to flow of blood into alveolar capillaries
increases due to gravity, higher at apex
ventilation rate
refers to volume of gas inhaled and exhaled from lungs in given time period, usually 1 min
calculating ventilation rate
tidal volume x resp rate
avg man = 6L/min
tidal volume
volume of air inhaled and exhaled in a single breath
V/Q ratio =
ventilation/perfusion ratio
V/Q ratio
varies depending on part of lung - higher at apex, decreased toward base
ventilation exceeds perfusion towards apex, perfusion exceeds ventilation towards base
1 for maximally efficient pulm function
avg = 0.8
PA
alveolar pressure
Pa
pulmonary artery pressure
Pv
pulmonary vein pressure
pleural cavity
fluid filled space surrounding lungs
bounded by a double layered serous membrane called pleura
2 pleural cavities - one for each lung - L is smaller
potential space
boundaries of pleural cavity
superior
inferior
medial
anterior, posterior, lateral
two layers of pleura
parietal
visceral
parietal pleura
outer , lines inner aspect of thoracic cavity and mediastinum
thicker and more durable
visceral pleura
inner layer, lines outer surface of the lungs
more delicate
parietal and visceral pleura relationship - important for inflation/deflation
continuous with each other at the hilum of the lung
how do muscles of respiration act to increase/decrease thoracic volume
active inspiration - contraction of accessory muscles of breathing , all act to increase volume of thoracic cavity =
scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major and minor, serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi
active expiration - contraction of several thoracic and abdominal muscles , act to decrease volume of thoracic cavity =
anterolateral abdominal wall, internal intercostal, innermost intercostal
Boyle’s law and mechanics of breathing, inspiration and expiration
pressure and volume are always inversely proportional at a given temp of a gas
state mechanical factors that affect resp minute volume
temperature
exercise
pregnancy
blood pressure
why is intrapleural pressure always less than alveolar pressure