Respiratory Physiology 1 Flashcards
Introduction to the Respiratory System
What are the functions of the respiratory system?
- Gas exchange (oxygen added to the blood from the air, carbon dioxide removed from the blood into the air.
- Acid base balance - regulation of body pH
- Protection from infection
- Communication via speech
What links the Respiratory and CV systems?
Gas Exchange
WHAT IS CELLULAR/INTERNAL RESPIRATION?
(A biochemical) process that releases energy from glucose either via Glycolysis or Oxidative Phosphorylation.
What does oxidative phosphorylation require and depend upon?
Requires OXYGEN
Depends on EXTERNAL RESPIRATION
WHAT IS EXTRERNAL RESPIRATION?
Movement of gases between the air and the body’s cells, via both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
PULMONARY VS SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION
The pulmonary circulation is opposite to the systemic circulation in it’s function and it’s terminology
What is the function of the pulmonary circulation?
Delivers CO2 and collects O2 from the lungs
What is the function of the SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION?
Delivers O2 to peripheral tissues and collects CO2
What is the function of PULMONARY ARTERY
Carries DEOXYGENATED BLOOD
What is the function of the PULMONARY VEIN?
Carries OXYGENATED BLOOD
WHAT DOES AN INCREASE IN ENERGY DEMANDED BY WORKING MUSCLES LEAD TO in relation to PULMONARY VEIN ?
Increased rate and depth of breathing speeds up:
- Substrate (O2) acquisition
- Waste disposal (CO2)
WHAT DOES AN INCREASE IN ENERGY DEMANDED BY WORKING MUSCLES LEAD TO in relation to PULMONARY ARTERY?
Increased heart rate and force of contraction speeds up:
- Substrate delivery to muscle via blood
- Waste removal via blood
HOW IS SUPPLY = DEMAND ENSURED?
By preventing gas build up in the circulation (net volume of gas exchanged in the lungs per unit time = net volume exchanged in the tissue)
What are the 7 main anatomical features of the airways?
- Nose
- Pharynx(throat)
- Epiglottis - small flap of tissue folds over trachea and prevents food from entering it when you swallow
- Larynx(voice box) - contains vocal chords
- Trachea - made up of stiff rings of cartilage that support and connect
- Bronchus - leads to lungs (right and left bronchi)
- Lung
UPPER RESPIRATOEY TRACT =
ANYTHING ABOVE LARYNX
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT =
ANYTHING BELOW LARYNX
Where is the point of gas exchange in lungs?
Alveoli! Due to their very thin surface
How can resistance to airflow be altered?
By activity of bronchial smooth muscle
Contraction decreases airway diameter = increases resistance relaxation increases diameter = decreases resistance
BRANCHING OF AIRWAYS
The trachea branches in to two bronchi, one to each lung
Each bronchus branches 22 more times, finally terminating in a cluster of alveoli
PRIMARY bronchi =
go to each lung
SECONDARY bronchi =
go to each lobe
TERTIARY bronchi =
go to the pulmonary segments
TERMINATES into?
Alveoli sac
How many lobes does the RIGHT lung conrain?
3
How many lobes does the LEFT lung contain?
2
Aspirated foreign bodies most common where?
Right bronchi due to width and angle
