Respiratory Physiology Flashcards
Functions of respiratory system
Gas exchange Acid-base balance Thermoregulation Immune function Vocalization Enhances venous return
Air passages
Mouth/nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles Alveoli
Bronchioles
Bronchoconstrict or dilate
Control air flow
Smooth muscle
Alveoli
Site of gas exchange Thin walled Large surface area (75m2) Contain fine elastic fibres Pores of kohn connect adjacent alveoli (helps equalize air pressure)
Types of alveolar cells
Type 1 = make up the wall
Type 2 = secrete surfactant (decreases surface tension)
Macrophages = immune function
Respiration
Ventilation
External respiration (gas exchange between alveoli and blood)
Gas transport
Internal respiration (gas exchange between blood and tissues)
Mechanics of breathing
2 phases = inspiration (gases flow into the lungs), expiration (gases exit the lungs)
Dependant on pressure differences
Pressure relationships in the thoracic cavity
Atmospheric (air) pressure (Patm) = 70 mm Hg at sea level
Respiratory pressures are relative to Patm = alveolar and pleural pressures
Respiratory mechanics
Pressures = Atmospheric (air) Intra-alveolar (in alveoli) Intra-pleural (pleural space) Transpulmonary (difference)
Pulmonary ventilation
Mechanical processes depends on volume changes in the thoracic cavity
Volume changes = pressure changes
Pressure changes = gases flow to equalize pressure
Boyle’s law
Pressure exerted by a gas varies inversely with volume of gas
Volume increases, pressure decreases (vice versa)
Quiet inspiration
Inspiratory muscles contract (diaphragm and external intercostals) Thoracic volume increases (lungs stretch) Intrapulmonary decreases (air flows into the lungs down its pressure gradient until Ppul = Patm)
Forced inspiration
Recruit scalenus and sternocleidomastoid Greater increase in thoracic volume Larger decrease in thoracic pressure Larger pressure gradient More air flow in
Quiet expiration
Passive process Inspiratory muscles relax Thoracic cavity volume decreases Elastic lungs recoil Increase in alveolar pressure Air flows out of lungs
Forced expiration
Recruit abdominals and internal intercostals Larger decrease in thoracic volume Larger increase in thoracic pressure Larger gradient More air flow out
Physical factors influencing pulmonary ventilation
4 factors = Airway resistance Alveolar surface tension Lung compliance Elastic recoil
Airway resistance
Relationship between flow (F), pressure (P), and resistance (R)
F = 🔺P/R
Radius of bronchioles is the biggest determinant
Pressure gradient between atmosphere and alveoli
Asthma
Severe constriction or obstruction of bronchioles (prevents ventilation)
Epinephrine dilates bronchioles and reduces air resistance
Alveolar surface tension
Surface tension
Surfactant
Surface tension
Attracts liquid molecules to one another at a gas-liquid interface
Resists any force that tends to increase surface area of liquid
Surfactant
Detergent-like lipid and protein complex produced by type 2 alveolar cells
Decreases surface tension of alveolar fluid (discourages alveolar collapse)
Premature infants = decreased amount of surfactant, respiratory distress
Lung compliance
Expanding of the lungs = change in lung volume with a given change in pressure
Relates to effort required to distend the lungs
Lung compliance normally high due to
Distensibility of the lung tissue (connective tissue)
Alveolar surface surfactant
Lung compliance diminished by
Non elastic scar tissue (fibrosis)
Reduced production of surfactant
Decreased flexibility of thoracic cage (eg-paralysis of respiratory muscles)
Elastic recoil
How the lungs rebound after being stretched (help lungs return to their pre-inspiratory volume)
Depends on = connective tissue in lungs (elastic/collagen), alveolar surface tension (reduces tendency of alveoli to recoil)
Respiratory volumes
Used to asses a persons respiratory status
Lung volume and capacities (tidal volume)
Volume of air entering or leaving lungs during a single breath
Average value = 500ml
Lung volumes and capacities (inspiratory reserve volume)
Extra volume of air that can be maximally inspired over and above the typical resting tidal volume
Average volume = 3000ml
Lung volumes and capacities (inspiratory capacity)
Maximum volume of air that can be inspired at the end of a normal quiet expiration (IC = IRV + IV)
Average volume = 3500ml
Lung volumes and capacities (expiratory reserve volume)
Extra volume of air that can be actively expired by maximal contraction beyond the normal volume of air after a resting tidal volume
Average volume = 1000ml
Lung volumes and capacities (residual volume)
Maximum volume of air remaining in the lungs even after a maximal expiration
Average volume = 1200ml