Respiratory Mechanics IV Flashcards
What are the 2 components that make up the work of breathing
- Elastic -> stretching the lungs
- Nonelastic -> moving air through the airways
T or F: Chest expansion during inspiration is not resisted by the lungs
F, it is and the amount of resistance determines how much force is needed
What are the 3 components of elastic resistance
What are 2 characteristics of elastic resistance
2 characteristics of the bronchi and bronchioles
What are 3 components of nonelastic resistance
What are 2 characteristics of nonelastic resistance
What is the pleural pressure gradient
Regional variations in intrapleural pressure in resting position (due to gravity) which causes not all parts of the lungs to expand equally
Where is pressure greatest in the lung and what happens
Pressure is greatest at top (apex) of the lungs and is at lowest when at base of the lungs. This causes the expanding pressure to be much greater at the top of the lungs resulting in less lung expansion at the apex compared to the base.
Explain the slinky affect
Gravity causes the lungs to be more stretched at apex and more compressed at base resulting in greater expansion and ventilation (compliance) at the base
Elastic work of breathing depends on
1) Elastic properties of lung tissue (elastin, collagen)
2) Surface tension (tracheobronchial tree line d with fluid film)
What is lung compliance
The ease to which something can be stretched
What is the difference between lung compliance and elastisity
Elasticity is the ability to oppose stretch and return to its original shape after distortion whereas compliance is the ability to be stretched
Hysteresis
Difference between inflation and deflation of lungs usually caused by surface not decreasing surface tension as well in inspiration and due to collapsed alveoli being recruited which is wasteful energy and inspiration has increased resistance due to elastic and air restive properties whereas expiration is just airway resistance
Explain this graph
The slope of the curve = compliance
-The slope is higher at lower lung volumes meaning that at lower lung volumes the lungs can more easily expand because they have increased compliance
When does lung compliance decrease
1) At high lung volumes (elastin and collagen almost fully stretched (cant move anywhere))
2) At very low lung volumes (increased surface tension because of airway closures (derecruitment))
The ease of expansion (Ventilation) depends on
Volume of air already present
T or F: All parts of the lung are not equally expanded at rest
T: Regional differences in Ppl
What happens at normal resting volumes in terms of ventilation and compliance
What happens at residual volume in terms of ventilation and compliance
Compare lung compliance between normal, emphysema (obstructive) and lung fibrosis (restrictive)
Are inflation and deflation the same
No, the difference between the two is called hysteresis
Where along the curve is inflation easier and most difficult
Easier at low lung volumes and more difficult at high lung volumes