Resp Physiology And Anatomy Flashcards
What doctrine governs pressure within the cranium?
Monroe-Kelly doctrine
This doctrine considers the skull as a closed box.
What happens to CSF when there is an increase in mass in the cranium?
Loss of CSF
Once a critical point is reached, ICP rises sharply.
What is the critical volume of CSF loss that leads to a rise in ICP?
100-120ml of CSF
Beyond this volume, no further compensation can occur.
What occurs when pressure in the cranium equates with MAP?
Neuronal death
Herniation will also accompany this process.
How does the CNS autoregulate its blood supply?
Vasoconstriction and dilatation of cerebral blood vessels
Extremes of blood pressure can exceed this capacity.
What metabolic factor causes vasodilation in head-injured patients?
Hypercapnia
Important for ventilating head-injured patients.
What is the primary fuel the brain metabolizes?
Glucose
Falling glucose levels impair consciousness.
Which part of the brain coordinates automatic control of respiration?
Medulla
It controls respiratory rate and depth.
What is the function of the medullary respiratory center?
Controls inspiratory and expiratory neurons
Depressed by opiates.
Where is the apneustic center located?
Lower pons
Stimulates and prolongs inhalation.
What is the role of the pneumotaxic center?
Inhibits inspiration
Fine-tunes the respiratory rate.
Which gas levels are most important in ventilation control?
pCO2 levels
O2 levels are less important.
Where are peripheral chemoreceptors located?
Bifurcation of carotid arteries and arch of the aorta
They respond to changes in pO2, H+, and pCO2.
What do central chemoreceptors respond to?
Increased H+ in brain interstitial fluid
They do not respond to O2 levels.
What do stretch receptors in the lungs respond to?
Lung stretching
Causes a reduced respiratory rate.
What is pleural pressure?
Pressure surrounding the lung within the pleural space
During quiet breathing, pleural pressure is negative.
What determines lung size?
Transpulmonary pressure
Difference between alveolar pressure and pleural pressure.
What are Type 1 pneumocytes?
Very thin squamous cells covering 97% of the alveolar surface
Critical for gas exchange.
What is the role of Type 2 pneumocytes?
Secrete surfactant
They can differentiate into Type 1 pneumocytes during lung damage.
What is surfactant primarily made of?
Phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins
The main component is dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC).
What is the effect of surfactant on alveoli?
Reduces alveolar surface tension
Helps prevent alveoli from collapsing.
What is the definition of lung compliance?
Change in lung volume per unit change in airway pressure
It indicates the lungβs ability to stretch.
What can cause increased lung compliance?
Age, emphysema
Emphysema results from loss of alveolar walls.
What can cause decreased lung compliance?
Pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonectomy, kyphosis
These conditions restrict lung expansion.