Respiratory Physiology

Question 1

3 main challenges to aerobic function

Answer 1

• Getting oxygen to the alveoli
• Getting oxygen from the alveoli into the blood as it travels through pulmonary blood vessels
• Delivering sufficient oxygen to meet individual cells’ needs

Question 2

In Australia in 2015 respiratory disease:

Answer 2

• affected 30% of the pop

- caused 14% of deaths, 3% of hospitalisations + 6% of the total burden of disease (QALY)

Question 3

Why do we need respiration

Answer 3

• To supply oxygen needed for aerobic energy production (metabolism) + need to get rid of the waste product of aerobic energy metabolism: CO2
• To regulate pH (if have incorrect pH in our blood then our enzymes and cells won’t function normally) = the amount of CO2 in the blood controls pH

Question 4

The respiratory system has two parts:

Answer 4

• Conducting system - involved in gas movt for ventilation = great, long series of tubes
• Gas exchange system = place where O2 can enter the blood and CO2 can exit the blood