Pulmonary Physiology Flashcards
What is the primary function of the pulmonary system?
Exchange oxygen and CO2 between the environment, blood, and tissues.
What happens when the pulmonary system is compromised?
Reduced energy production and exercise tolerance.
What is the process of ventilation?
The process of moving air into and out of the lungs.
TV = 350-500mL
- Normal respiratory rate at rest = ?
- Tidal volume (TV) at rest = ?
- How is minute ventilation calculated = ?
- 10-15 breaths per minute
- 350-500 mL of air inhaled or exhaled at rest
- Minute Ventilation = Respiratory Rate x Tidal Volume
Sequence of inhalation
4
Sequence of inhalation
- Diaphragm pulls down
- Lateral Intercostals move lateral and AP
- Mid chest comes up and out
- Upper chest rises
What law explains the relationship between gas pressure and volume?
Boyle’s Law: Pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.
What is the difference between normal ventilation and mechanical ventilation?
- Normal ventilation relies on pressure changes
- Mechanical ventilation uses external force.
What is lung compliance?
The ability of the lungs to stretch and expand.
How does emphysema affect lung compliance?
Emphysema increases compliance but reduces elastic recoil.
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
- It’s a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What is lung elasticity?
The ability of the lungs to return to their original size after stretching.
What role does surface tension play in lung function?
Surface tension helps alveoli to reduce in size during expiration.
What is the Law of Laplace in relation to alveolar pressure?
Alveolar pressure = 2 (Surface tension) / Radius of alveolus
What is the role of surfactant in the lungs?
Surfactant reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.
What is the formula for resistance according to Poiseuille’s Law?
Resistance = ΔP x Radius / Length of airway x Viscosity of gas.
What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on airway resistance?
Parasympathetic activation causes airway constriction, increasing resistance.
What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on airway resistance?
Sympathetic activation decreases airway resistance by causing bronchodilation.
What controls ventilation in the brain?
Ventilation is controlled by the brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata and pons.
What are the components of lung volumes?
8
- Tidal Volume (TV)
- Inspiratory Reserve Volume
- Expiratory Reserve Volume
- Residual Volume (RV)
- Inspiratory Capacity
- Functional Residual Capacity
- Vital Capacity
- Total Lung Capacity (TLC)