Respiratory Systems Flashcards
What is external respiration?
The delivery and removal of gases to and from tissues and cells.
What is partial pressure?
The pressure of a single gas within a mixture of gases.
What influences diffusion?
Partial pressure gradient. Gas molecule diameter. Temperature. Gas solubility. Gas exchange surface surface area. Gas exchange surface thickness.
What is Fick’s Law?
Rate of diffusion =
DCSA(PP difference/interface thickness)
What is the order of the structures of the human respiratory system?
Nasal cavity Pharynx Larynx Trachea Primary bronchus Lungs
Where is the dead space in the lungs?
Includes trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and terminal bronchioles.
What is the function of the dead space?
Transfers gases to the alveoli.
Warming/Humidifying.
Filtration.
What muscle separates the abdomen and the thorax?
The diaphragm.
How do birds maximise gas exchange?
They use unidirectional airflow. This means oxygen is received during inhalation and exhilation.
What structures do birds possess that allow unidirectional flow?
Posterior and anterior air sacs.
Define ventilation.
Convection of a respiratory medium over the gas exchange surfaces.
What covers the lungs of mammals?
2 pleural membranes.
Is intrapleural pressure positive or negative? Why is this important?
Negative, to ensure the lungs are inflated.
Is inspiration active or passive?
It is an active process as it requires muscle contraction.
What is the sequence of inspiration?
Diaphragm and external intercostals contract.
Thoracic volume increases.
Intrapleural pressure decreases.
Alveoli expand.
Alveolar pressure < atmospheric pressure so air flows into lungs.
Is expiration active or passive?
Passive excluding forced expiration.
What is the sequence of expiration?
Elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall reduces thoracic volume.
Intrapleural pressure increases.
Alveoli recoil.
Alveolar pressure > atmospheric pressure so air flows out of lungs.
What are the 3 resistive forces which oppose airflow during inspiration?
Airway resistance.
Pulmonary tissue resistance.
Inertia of the air and tissues.
What are the 2 resistive forces which assist airflow during expiration?
Elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall.
Alveoli surface tension.
How do laminar flow and turbulent flow differ?
Laminar flow = slow flow + parallel streams
Turbulent flow = high flow + disorganised streams
What is radial traction?
As the lungs expand, connective tissue pulls on bronchioles so diameter increases and airway resistance decreases.