Respiration + Respiration Muscles + EMG Flashcards
explain Boyle’s Law
In a closed system, air pressure and volume are inversely proportional
What does Boyle’s law mean for respiration?
Volume of the lungs increases, internal air pressure decreases
Exhalation/inhalation is a result of a decrease in lung volume leading to an increase in air pressure
Exhalation
Principle of equalization
Air flows from a region of HIGHER pressure to a REGION of LOWER pressure
During respiration, when the creation of pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure is made, this causes air to flow out/into the lungs
Inhalation - lung volume INCREASES : into
During respiration, when the creation of pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is made, this causes air to flow out/into the lungs
Exhalation - lung volume DECREASES : out of
T/F : Pressure will always try to become equal everywhere
T
It is the muscles of the ____ that alter lung volume for air movement.
- heart
- abdomen
- diaphragm
- thorax
- thorax
When the muscles of the thorax create a vacuum-like space for inhalation, this breathing is called :
- Neutral pressure breathing
- Negative-pressure breathing
- Positive-pressure breathing
- Equal-pressure breathing
- Negative-pressure breathing
T/F : Cathy is explaining to her friend that respiration occurs through the muscles of the lungs as they both expand and contract, elevating and lowering the diaphragm. Is this true?
F - the lungs have no muscles, it is the thoracic muscles
Tidal breathing - its ratio for IN and EX + tidal volume (men vs women)
- Regular + relaxed
- In = 40%, EX = 60%
- TV = the SMALL volume of air exchanged during each breath
M = 0.5L, V = 0.4L
Vital capacity - what is it (Men vs women) + what 3 volumes it houses (its the mama, find the babies)
- Max volume of air exchanged through breathing (M=4-5L, W=3-4L)
- Has TV, IRC (ins. reserve V), ERC (expir. reserve V)
T/F : Jack, a healthy 20 year old student, would have a 6L vital capacity.
F - males have a vital capacity of 4-5L
T/F : Sandra, a healthy 25 year old student, would have a 3.5L vital capacity.
T - females have between 3-4L vital capacity
IVR - what it stands for + what it is
Inspiratory reserve volume; max air INHALED after TIDAL inspiration
EVR - what it stands for + what it is
Expiratory reserve volume; max air EXPELLED after TIDAL expiration
T/F : Vital capacity (VC) is calculated by summing the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV), but it does not include tidal volume (TV).
False. (VC consists of TV, IRV, and ERV.)
Which of the following statements about vital capacity (VC) and reserve volumes is FALSE?
A. Vital capacity (VC) represents the maximum volume of air that can be exchanged through breathing.
B. Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal inspiration.
C. Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal expiration.
D. Vital capacity (VC) is the sum of tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV).
C. Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal expiration.
Maria, a healthy 45-year-old woman, has undergone a pulmonary function test. Based on the typical values and definitions related to lung capacities, which of the following statements is FALSE?
A. Maria’s functional residual capacity (FRC) represents the volume of air remaining in her lungs after she exhales normally.
B. If Maria’s expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is 1.0L and her residual volume (RV) is 1.1L, her functional residual capacity (FRC) would be 2.1L.
C. Maria’s total lung capacity (TLC) is the sum of her vital capacity (VC) and her tidal volume (TV), and typically ranges between 4-5L.
D. Maria’s total lung capacity (TLC) includes all the air her lungs can possibly hold, including air she cannot exhale.
C. Maria’s total lung capacity (TLC) is the sum of her vital capacity (VC) and her tidal volume (TV), and typically ranges between 4-5L.
FRC - name + what it is
Functional residual capacity; volume in the lungs after a NORMAL exhalation
The Functional residual capacity is a sum of :
- The VC and RV
- The VC, ERV and RV
- The ERV + RV
- The ERV and VC
- The ERV + RV
TLC - name + what it is + ratio for men vs women
- Total lung capacity
- sum of Vital capacity + residual volume
- M=5-6L, F=4-5L
T/F : FRC represents the relaxation volume of the lungs
T
Speech breathing vs tidal breathing
(2)
- Speech uses 25-70% of VC
- For speech, inspiration time is SHORTER and expiration time is LONGER to help maintain continuous air outflow
Which of the following best defines Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
A. The maximum volume of air inhaled after a normal inhalation.
B. The maximum volume of air exhaled after a normal exhalation.
C. The total volume of air that can be exhaled after maximal inhalation.
D. The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
A. The maximum volume of air inhaled after a normal inhalation.
Primary organs for respiration
lungs
The lungs are composed of _______ tissue filled with ______, where gas exchange occurs
spongy; alveoli
Which lobe in the lungs has 3 lobes
1. The right lobe
2. the left lobes
3. both lungs
4. Neither lung
- The right lobe
Which of the lobes is missing in the left lobe
the middle one, it still has the superior and inferior
In the left lobe, the part that is missing is the :
- Oblique fissure
- Inferior lobe
- Superior lobe
- Horizontal fissure
- None of the above
- Two of the above
- Two of the above
- Horizontal fissure
- Middle lobe
Alveoli are tiny ____ sacs within the _____ where _ and _ are exchanged with the blood (two of the periodic table)
air; lungs; oxygen; carbon dioxide
number of alveoli in the lungs + why the number HELPS
- 300 million in lungs
- Increases the surface area for gas exchange
Pleura
protective DOUBLE-layered membrane around the lungs
The pleura encases the _____
- Alveoli
- Bronchiole
- Bronchi
- Lungs
- Lungs
The inner layer of the pleura clings to the ____, the outer layer clings to the ______.
- ribs; lungs
- lungs; ribs
- lungs; chest wall
- chest wall; lungs
- lungs; chest wall
Pleural fluid + function
- Between the layers of the pleura
- Allows the lungs to move smoothly during breathing
Advantages of having the pleura between lungs + ribcage (2)
- If not, the rigid connection could create wear damage
- Can breathe in whatever movement being made
Describe the path of the lung airway
- Trachea
- Bronchi - 2 bronchus
- Bronchiole
- Alveolar ducts
- Alveolar sacs
- Alveoli
Which of the following is a muscle :
- Trachea
- Left/Right bronchus
- Bronchioles
- Alveoli
- Bronchioles
T/F : the change in the volume and pressure in the thoracic cavity is driven by breathing from the intercostal muscles and diaphragm
T
During inhalation, the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles expand/contract , which expands/contracts the thorax and increases/reduces pressure to draw air in
contract; expands; reduces
T/F : In comparison to inhalation, exhalation is a more passive form because muscles can relax
T
Which statement correctly describes the hierarchical structure of the airway leading to the lungs?
A. The trachea divides into bronchioles, which lead to the alveolar ducts and eventually the alveoli.
B. The bronchi branch into the trachea, which further divides into alveoli.
C. The bronchi branch directly into alveolar sacs, bypassing the bronchioles and
alveolar ducts.
D. The trachea bifurcates into bronchi, which divide into bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli.
D. The trachea bifurcates into bronchi, which divide into bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli.
What structure is most important for inhalation?
- Lungs
- Ribs - they rise and create more space
- Thoracic cavity
- Diaphragm
- Diaphragm
What does the diaphragm do during inhalation?
contracts + flattens which allows for an increase in volume in thoracic cavity + decrease P inside the lungs –> brings air in
Which muscle separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?
Diaphragm
central tendon + where it is + its functions (2)
- tough, flat sheet of tendon at the core of diaphragm
- transmits the FORCE generated by the DIAPHRAGM’s muscular contractions + allows diaphragm to flatten + move DOWNward during inhalation
When the tendon is relaxed, it pulls/pushes against the diaphragm/lungs, advancing efficiency
pushes; lungs
Which ___ costal muscle is used during INhalation (give full name)
external intercostal muscles
A 62-year-old patient recovering from a stroke has significant weakness in their sternocleidomastoid muscles. Which of the following breathing difficulties would you MOST likely observe in this patient?
(A) Inability to perform passive exhalation during quiet breathing.
(B) Reduced ability to increase thoracic volume during forceful inhalation.
(C) Difficulty contracting the diaphragm effectively.
(D) Impaired function of the internal intercostal muscles during active exhalation.
(B) Reduced ability to increase thoracic volume during forceful inhalation.
A concert singer is preparing for a performance. They need to sustain long, powerful notes. Which of the following muscle groups is MOST crucial for controlling the airflow during the extended exhalation required for singing?
(A) External intercostal muscles
(B) Diaphragm
(C) Abdominal muscles (Rectus Abdominis, External and Internal Obliques, Transversus Abdominis)
(D) Sternocleidomastoid muscles
(C)
Function of external intercostal muscles
elevate the ribs, which expands the chest wall and increases thoracic volume
Function of sternocleidomastoid muscles
raises sternum –> increase in thoracic volume
What role does the central tendon play in the functioning of the diaphragm during inhalation?
A. It acts as a hinge point allowing the diaphragm to expand outward.
B. It serves as the attachment site for the heart and lungs.
C. It transmits the force generated by the diaphragm’s muscular contractions and enables the diaphragm to flatten and move downward.
D. It prevents the diaphragm from over-contracting during inhalation.
C. It transmits the force generated by the diaphragm’s muscular contractions and enables the diaphragm to flatten and move downward.
The passive process in exhalation requires both the :
- contraction of diaphragm and elastic relaxation of the lungs + chest wall
- contraction of diaphragm and elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall
- relaxation of diaphragm + elastic recoil of the lungs + chest wall
- relaxation of diaphragm + elastic recoil of the lungs + chest wall
During exhalation, when do we need to use the abdominal and internal intercostal muscles?
When we are using the active process, not the passive
A professional opera singer is training to improve breath control and sustain long, powerful notes. Which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in enhancing their ability to control exhalation?
(A) Strengthening the external intercostal muscles
(B) Practicing rapid, shallow chest breathing
(C) Improving the flexibility of the diaphragm’s central tendon
(D) Developing precise control over abdominal muscle contraction
(D) Developing precise control over abdominal muscle contraction
Name the abdominal muscles (think of the layers)
- rectus abdominis
- External Oblique
- Internal oblique
- Transversus Abdominis
Brad, an 18-year-old soccer player, is participating in various activities during his daily routine. In which of the following scenarios would Brad most likely rely on active exhalation rather than passive exhalation?
A) While sleeping soundly after an exhausting game
B) Sitting quietly in class, taking notes
C) Performing a powerful corner kick during a match
D) Walking slowly to the locker room after practice
C) Performing a powerful corner kick during a match
Function of the abdominal muscles
They contract to increase intra-abdominal pressure –> pushes diaphragm UP reduces thoracic volume
During which process, inhalation or exhalation, does the thoracic cavity volume DECREASE
exhalation
Function of the internal intercostal muscles (think BBQ)
Pulls the ribs down to further DECREASE the thoracic cavity volume
Abdominal muscles - least superficial to MOST superficial
- Transverse abdominis
- Internal abdominal oblique + rectus abdominis
- External abdominal oblique
By which spinal nerves are the abdominal muscles innervated? + what letter and number
Lower thoracic; T7-T12
The intercostal nerves are _____ of the thoracic spinal nerves
branches
Diaphragmatic breathing (what does D do?)
- DEEP
- contracts + flattens –> increases thor. cav’s volume + BIG lung expansion
- More ab movement than chest
Chest breathing
- Shallow, uses chest muscles
- Upward and OUTward movement
A patient with weakened abdominal muscles is likely to experience difficulty with which aspect of breathing?
A. Passive inhalation during relaxed breathing.
B. Active exhalation during activities such as coughing or singing.
C. Elastic recoil of the lungs during quiet breathing.
D. Contraction of the diaphragm for inhalation.
B. Active exhalation during activities such as coughing or singing.
EMG (think ‘youre so strong’)
Technique used to measure + analyze the ELECTRICAL activity produced by skeletal muscles
T/F : EMG detects the electrical activity from 1 sole muscle fiber at a time
F - multiple because they are activated by many motor neurons
T/F : Ken, a 30 year old clinician practicing EMG, performs intramuscular EMG and places the needle inside a smooth muscle because it helps to conduct a faster and stronger signal. Is he right to do this?
F - smooth muscles are more slow and sustained
Difference in contraction between smooth and striaded muscles
Smooth - slow and sustained
Striaded - rapid
T/F : electrohysterography and electrogastrography are two alternative methods used in light of the ineffectiveness of smooth muscle EMG
T
What does EMG measure and how it is different from a regular neuronal process
Motor Unit action potential
Neuronal action potential happens in the axon, motor unit action potential happens WITHIN muscle fibers
Describe the two main types of EMG + pros and cons + function
- Surface EMG - electrodes on skin
- non invasive and is used more commonly
- measures the SUM of electrical activity from MULTIPLE muscle fibers - Intramuscular EMG - needle or fine wire inserted INTO muscle
- more invasive but more DETAILED, gives activity from individual motor units
- used in clinical diagnostics + research on disorders
Range of raw EMG signal
+/- 5000 microvolts
6-500Hz
Explain EMG’s rectification
- facilitates a better analysis + interpretation
- Because the raw signal has both positive and negative voltage fluctuations, rectification converts negative values to positive, creating a better representation of muscle activation
Why does the rectified EMG signal get smoothed? (3)
- Removes HIGH frequency noise (which reduces rapid fluctuations caused by firing)
- Reveals patterns/trends in muscle activation
- Makes it easier to COMPARE across subjects + standardize
You are analyzing a raw surface EMG (sEMG) signal recorded from a subject’s biceps during a strength task. You notice that the signal contains both positive and negative voltage fluctuations. What would be the most appropriate next step to make the signal more useful for quantifying muscle activation over time?
A. Apply a high-pass filter to remove low-frequency noise
B. Perform rectification to convert all values to positive or negative
C. Compute the Fourier transform to analyze the frequency content
D. Reduce the sampling rate to smooth the data
B. Perform rectification to convert all values to positive or negative
After rectifying an EMG signal, you notice that the signal still exhibits rapid fluctuations. You want to extract a more stable representation of muscle activation patterns over time. Which of the following would be the most appropriate next step?
A. Apply an operation that sums up the signals to account for the negative and positive values
B. Increase the amplitude of the EMG signal for better visualization
C. Apply a low-pass filter to remove high-frequency noise
D. Apply a high-pass filter to remove low-frequency noise
C. Apply a low-pass filter to remove high-frequency noise
How is EMG data collected?
Using the Delsys EMG system, a small system with a SENSOR
T/F : the sensor when collecting EMG data needs to be between tendons and facing UPWARD along the muscle fiber
False, it needs to be going the direction of the striaded muscle fibers
A speech-language pathologist is working with a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client reports difficulty expelling air completely and experiences shortness of breath during speech. The pathologist aims to improve the client’s ability to control airflow and extend speech duration by focusing on the lung volume that remains in the lungs after normal expiration.
Which lung volume is the pathologist most likely focusing on?
Incorrect answer:
A. Inspiratory reserve volume
B. Residual volume
C. Functional residual capacity
D. Tidal volume
C. Functional residual capacity
A professional athlete is undergoing respiratory training to improve breath control and endurance. During a session, the coach instructs the athlete to take the deepest breath possible, filling the lungs completely, and then to exhale as much air as possible. This exercise is designed to maximize lung function by utilizing multiple lung volumes.
Which lung volumes or capacities are primarily involved in this breathing exercise?
A. The inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), tidal volume (TV), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
B. Both the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and the expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
C. Only the expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
D. Only the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
A. The inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), tidal volume (TV), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
Which of the following statements about the location of abdominal muscles is false?
A. The external oblique muscle is superficial to the internal oblique muscle.
B. The internal oblique muscle is positioned between the external oblique and transversus abdominis muscles.
C. The transversus abdominis muscle is the deepest of the four abdominal muscles.
D. The rectus abdominis muscle is superficial to the external oblique muscle.
D. The rectus abdominis muscle is superficial to the external oblique muscle.
Which of the following statements about the diaphragm muscle is false?
A. The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration, contracting to increase thoracic volume.
B. The diaphragm contracts and moves upward during inhalation, decreasing lung volume.
C. The central tendon of the diaphragm is a contractile structure that actively shortens during inspiration.
D. The diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which originates from cervical spinal nerves C3–C5.
C. The central tendon of the diaphragm is a contractile structure that actively shortens during inspiration.
T/F : If a blockage were to occur in one of the bronchiole in the right lung, gas exchange in all the alveolar sacs would be restricted.
False
T/F : The cervical vertebrae play a crucial role in respiration because they provide attachment points for the ribs and facilitate rib movement during breathing.
False
T/F : A researcher is analyzing raw surface EMG signals from the masseter muscle during speech production. The recorded data shows both positive and negative voltage values in millivolts. The researcher concludes that this means some motor units are actively contracting while others are simultaneously inhibiting the muscle. Is this likely true or false?
False
T/F : A yoga instructor is leading a class in deep belly breathing exercises. One student, curious about the role of different muscles, states that the rectus abdominis plays a crucial role in belly breathing by actively expanding the abdomen during inhalation. Is this likely true or false?
False
