Pulmonary Physiology Flashcards
Normal measurement of
PAO2.
100 mm Hg ~ Alveolar O2
*Differs from atmospheric pO2 because some O2 is lost in the conduction system of the lungs
Normal measurement of
PaO2.
95-98 mm Hg ~ dissolved O2 (unbound in plasma)
Define CaO2.
CaO2 = Total content in blood = [PaO2] + [SaO2]
Normal measurement of
PvO2.
40-45 mm Hg
Normal measurement of
Atmospheric O2
150 mm Hg = (760 - 47[water]) * 21%
Normal measurement of
PACO2.
40 mm Hg ~ no change in pressure between alveolus and pulmonary artery therefore CO2 diffuses passively in alveoli during gas exchange.
Describe the processes that occur during inspiration.
- Diaphragm contracts (flattens) and lungs expand.
- Negative pressure builds in the lungs. Higher atmospheric pressure rushes into lower lung pressure.
- EXTERNAL INTERCOSTAL muscles pull outward, if accessory muscles are needed to create.
Describe the processes that occur during expiration.
- Diaphragm relaxes and bulges upward reducing lung volume thus building lung pressure.
- Higher alveolar pressure rushes air out of lungs and into atmosphere.
- INTERNAL INTERCOSTAL muscles pull chest wall inward, thus aiding to push air out.
What are the 2 opposing forces in the thorax and what are their causes.
- Inward Elastic recoil provided by the LUNGS.
2. Outward Elastic recoil provided by the CHEST WALL.
What is the significance of Transpulmonary Pressure and what are its components.
- Transpulm P = Alveolar P - Intrapleural P
- Transpulmonary P is negative to have alveoli expand in INSPIRATION.
- If Transpulm P is less negative, alveoli tend collapse in EXPIRATION.
Describe surfactant’s effect on alveolar tension and relationship with alveolar size. What is the significance of LaPlace’s Formula related to surface tension?
Surfactant, secreted by Type II cells:
- Reduces Surface tension AND has a Greater Effect on smaller alveoli.
- P = 2T/r, shows that the smaller the radius (alveolar volume), the more pressure it has exerted on it to collapse so air will move to the larger alveoli (atelectasis).
Describe the difference between Simple Pneumothorax and Tension Pneumothorax.
- Simple: chest wall perforation leads to an equilibrium btw. Intrapleural Pressure and Atmospheric pressure. The lung collapses due to equal pressures.
- Tension: a tissue of the lung is injured leading to a “One-way valve”, as air enters the pleural space it can’t exit so the lung w/o air collapses and the one with expands to push the heart. this leads to less CO and VR. Symptom is Hypotension.
Why is tension Pneumothorax linked to hypotension?
- One collapsed lung would cause the other lung to over-inflate.
- This mediastinal shift compresses the inferior vena cava and atria.
- This reduces venous return and cardiac output, respectively leading to HYPOTENSION [BP = CO * TPR]
Describe the 3 respiratory control centers that regulate ventilation.
- Dorsal root ganglion of medulla - controls inspiration
- Ventral root ganglion of medulla - controls expiration (and inspiration)
- Pre-Botzinger complex - controls Rhythm (Respiratory Rate)
Describe the FRC and its relationship with RV.
FRC = RV + ERV
Functional Residual Capacity indicates the amount of air left in lungs after “quiet” expiration. This DOES NOT EQUAL Residual Volume because FRC includes air that’s “not forced” out of the lungs.
*In other words, FRC includes some expiratory reserve.