The Respiratory System Flashcards

1
Q

Gas Exchange:

A

Facilitates the intake of oxygen and removal or CO2

Gas flow > Diffusion of gasses > Perfusion for blood flow

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2
Q

Acid-base balance

A

Regulates pH of blood, prevents alkalosis and acidosis

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3
Q

Phonation

A

Production of speech sounds

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4
Q

Filtration

A

The entire cardiac output from the right ventricle passes via pulmonary circulation.
–> Allows lungs to act as a filter and prevent air bubbles passing from left side of the heart to the systemic circulation

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5
Q

Metabolic

A

Transformation or removal of chemical substances in pulmonary circulation
i.e. Inactivates noradrenaline

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6
Q

Pulmonary Defence Mechanism

A

Protects the body from airborne threats; uses adaptive and innate immunity.

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7
Q

Internal to the intercostals are:

A
Parietal pleura (outtermost)
Pleural cavity
Visceral pleura (innermost)
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8
Q

Lubrication serves to…

A

Reduce friction during breathing

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9
Q

Surface tension:

A

Maintains the position of the lungs against the thoracic wall.
The visceral and parietal pleura are pulled apart by the propensity of the chest wall to expand

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10
Q

The respiratory system is isolated from all other systems. T/F

A

True

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11
Q

The conducting zone is comprised of:

A

Nose –> Pharynx –> Larynx –> Trachea –> Bronchi –> Bronchioles

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12
Q

The conducing zone acts to:

A
  • Humidifies air
  • Facilitates the passage of air in & out of TRS
  • Traps debris and pathogens via mucous membrane
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13
Q

The respiratory zone is comprised of:

A

Terminal bronchioles –> Alveolar ducts –> Alveolar sacs –> Plural Alveoli

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14
Q

The respiratory zone acts to:

A
  • Exchange of gas between the respiratory system and the circulatory system
  • Capillaries are wrapped around the alveolar sacs to form the respiratory membrane.
    Simple diffusion of gasses between blood and air
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15
Q

Epithelia along thestart of the respiratory tract (trachea/bronchus) consist of…

A

thick, pseudostratified layer with submucosal glands.

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16
Q

The bronchiolus consists of:

A

cuboidal epithelium

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17
Q

In thealveolus, squamous epithelial cells form a thin, single-layered continuous membrane that allows diffusion to easily occur. T/F

A

True

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18
Q

What is responsible for increasing surface area availability during gas exchange

A

Alveoli

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19
Q

Terminal bronchi is encased in…

A

Smooth muscle

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20
Q

Cells that line the alveoli are seperated into…

A

Type 1 Pneumocytes: Most abundant (97%); gas exchange

Type 2 Pneumocytes: Secrete surfactant (phospholipid) that lines the inner surface to reduce friction
Alveoli Macrophages: Phagocytic cells that remove pathogens and debris

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21
Q

Pulmonary Ventilation:

A

Movement of gas between atmosphere and alveoli

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22
Q

Pulmonary Ventilation is driven by:

A

Volume changes in thoracic cavity –> contraction/relaxation of intercostals and diaphrag

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23
Q

Alveoli Macrophages:

A

Phagocytic cells that remove pathogens and debris

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24
Q

External Respiration:

A

Gas exchange across alveoli and blood

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25
Q

Internal Respiration:

A

Gas exchange between the blood and cells.

  • Via capillary-interstitial fluid-cell membrane
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26
Q

Gas Transport:

A

Transfer of O2 and CO2 via blood

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27
Q

Cellular Respiration:

A

Utilisation of O2 and production of CO2 by cells in the mitochondria

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28
Q

Atmospheric Pressure:

A

The pressure exerted by air surrounding the body

1atm = 760mmHg

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29
Q

Intra-alveolar & Intra-pulmonary Pressure:

A

Pressure within the alveoli; changes with ventilation.

Always equalises with the atmospheric pressure

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30
Q

Intra-alveolar & Intra-pulmonary Pressure

always equalises with the atmospheric pressure. T/F

A

True

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31
Q

Intrapleural Pressure:

A

Air within the pleural cavity (between visceral and parietal pleura).

Fluctuates with breathing but remains relativity stable at ~-4mmHg relative to the atmosphere.

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32
Q

The negative pressure is generated by…

A

elastic connective tissue connecting the lung to the pleura.This inward pull is counteracted by an opposing connection between the parietal (outer) pleura and the thoracic wall

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33
Q

Trans-pulmonary Pressure:

A

The difference between the intra-pleural and intra-alveolar pressures.

The inward pull from the intra-alveolar pressure and the outward tug from the intra-pleural keeps the airways open and dictates the size of the lungs.

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34
Q

Pneumothorax

A

When the intra-alveolar and intra-plaural pressure difference is zero (Ptp = 0), the lung collapses

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35
Q

Pneumothorax measurments:

A

Atmospheric pressure = 0cmH2O

Alveolar pressure = 0cmH2O

Intra-pleural pressure = 0cmH2O

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36
Q

A Healthy chest wall measurements

A

Atmospheric pressure = 0cmH2O

Alveolar pressure = 0cmH2O

Intra-pleural pressure = -5cmH2O

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37
Q

Humans inspire via…

A

-ve pressure breathing

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38
Q

The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, causing –>

A

the rib cage rises –> the lungs stretch –>intra-alveolarvolume increases –> decreasing the alveolar pressure.

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39
Q

Δ in volume (lung) → Δ in pressure → flow of gases

A

Δ in volume (lung) → Δ in pressure → flow of gases

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40
Q

Boyle’s law:

A

aninverse relationship between pressure and volume (assuming that temperature is kept constant)
–> P1V1 = P2V2

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41
Q

Quiet Breathing or

Eupnea

A

Without cognitive thought of the individual. Contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostals.

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42
Q

Deep Breathing

A

Requires the diaphragm to contract deeply and air passively leaves the lungs as the diaphragm relaxes.

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43
Q

Shallow Breathing

A

Requires the intercostal muscles to contract and air passively leaves the lungs as the intercostal muscle relax.

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44
Q

Forced Breathing or

Hypernea (Inspiration)

A

Requires contraction of accessory muscles, in addition to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

During forced inspiration, muscles of the neck contract and lift the thoracic wall, increasing lung volume.

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45
Q

Forced Breathing or

Hypernea (Expiration)

A

During forced expiration, musclesinthe abdomen (i.e. obliques) contract forcing abdominal organs upwards pushing the diaphragm into the thorax, and pushing more air out the lungs.

*The internal intercostals contract to compress the rib cage, which also reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity.

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46
Q

Which of the following describes the difference between the intra-alveolar pressure and intrapleural pressures?

A

Transpulmonary pressure

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47
Q

During quiet breathing, at the start of inspiration the intrapleural pressue is about -4 mmHg (relative to atmospheric pressure). As inspiration proceeds, intrapleural pressure reaches approximately

A

-8mmHg

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48
Q

Compliance:

A

The change in volume per unit change in pressure (ΔV/ΔP)

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49
Q

As trans-pulmonary pressure increases, lung volume

A

decreases

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50
Q

The relationship between changes in pressure distending the alveoli and changes in lung volume determines…

A

how easily the lungs inflate with each breath.

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51
Q

Trans-pulmonary pressure:

A

Pressure that distends the alveoli = intra-alveolar pressure - intra-pleural pressure

The pressure difference across the whole lung

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52
Q

Hysteresis:

A

The difference between the pressure-volume curve for inflation and the curve for deflation

Reflects surfactant surface tension

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53
Q

The lungs have a tendency to collapse due to….

A

elastic recoil

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54
Q

Compliance is _____ related to elastic recoil

A

Inversely

i.e.

High compliance = less elastic recoil

Low compliance = more elastic recoil

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55
Q

Pulmonary Surfactant & Surface Tension

A
  • Lowers elastic recoil due to surface tension
  • Increases lung compliance
  • Decreases work required during inspiration
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56
Q

Pulmonary surfactant is synthesised by…

A

type ll alveolar cells; consists of lipids and proteins

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57
Q

Surfactant reduces surface tension on alveoli –>

A

Reduces the collapsing pressure of small alveoli

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58
Q

Dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)

A

Molecules of DPPC are amphoteric and align themselves on the alveolar surface with their hydrophobic portions attracted to each-other, and hydrophilic regions repelled.

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59
Q

DPPC breaks up the liquid molecules that were responsible for high alveolar surface tension.

–> When surfactant is present, surface tension and collapsing pressures are…

A

Reduced and small alveoli can be kept open.

*Surfactant stabilises alveoli

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60
Q

Airway Resistance

A

The two sources of frictional resistance; the lung and the chest wall (minor) and the resistance of airways to airflow (major)

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61
Q

Gas flow is a mixture of laminar and turbulent flow

A

Resistance increases in proportion to gas flow

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62
Q

Resistance is directly proportional to gas density, and inversely proportional to:

A

the 5th power of the radius

–> turbulent gas flow is extremely sensitive to airway calibre

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63
Q

The greatest resistance occurs in the medium-sized bronchi

A
  • Resistance in large bronchi is small because of their large diameter
  • Resistance in small bronchi is low because of the large cross-sectional area
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64
Q

Increased Airway Resistance can lead to:

A
  • Bronchospasm
  • Secretions
  • Mucosal oedema
  • Volume & flow related airway collapse

i.e. Asthma suffers increase airway resistance by causing spastic contraction of smooth muscles of the bronchioles –> incr. Mucus secretion, an inflammation of bronchioles

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65
Q

Broncho-active agents

consist of:

A
Acetylcholine
Nitric Oxide
Adrenergics
Histamine
Leukotrines
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66
Q

Acetylcholine is secreted via the ____ and acts on _____

A

PSNS

Acts on muscarinic receptors to mediate bronchoconstriction
Anticholinergics (atropine, bromide) are M3 receptors

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67
Q

Nitric Oxide is secreted via the ____ and acts on _____

A

PSNS and Inflammatory cells

Via guanylate cyclase, causes bronchodilation

68
Q

Adrenergics is secreted via the ____ and acts on _____

A

SNS

Acts via beta-adrenoreceptors to mediate bronchodilation.
B-agonists: Sulbutamol

69
Q

Histamine is secreted via the ____ and acts on _____

A

Mast cells and Inflammatory cells

Act on histamine receptors to cause bronchoconstriction
Antihistamines (fexofenadine) are H1 blockers

70
Q

Leukotrines is secreted via the ____ and acts on _____

A

Inflammatory cells

Act on LT receptors to cause bronchoconstriction. Leukotrine antagonists and 5-lopoxygenase inhibitors are used

71
Q

Factors affecting ventilation:

A

Pressure
Complience
Surfactant
Resistance

72
Q

Pressure relationships:

A

The movement of gas in the respiratory system is subjected tophysicaldeterminants; i.e.
pressure, volume, temperature and the amount of gas present.

Suchrelationships can be empirically determined using Boyle’s Law (P vs V), Charles’ Law (V vs T), Avogadro’s Law (V vs n). A basic principle is pressure gradients determine gas flow.

73
Q

Compliance:

A

The ease of which lungs expand affects ventilation.

Lung compliance is the volume change per unit pressure change (ΔV/ΔP).

Lung compliance depends on the elasticity of the lungs (and thorax) and the surface tension of the liquid in the alveoli. Both factors tend to decrease the lung compliance.

74
Q

Factors responsible for the decrease the lung compliance:

A
  1. Elasticity of the lungs and thorax

2. Surface tension in the alveoli

75
Q

Surfactant:

A

A mixture of lipids and proteins secreted by Type II alverolar cells.

It intersperses between the water molecules in the fluid lining the alveoli, therefore, lowers surface tension.

It acts to equalises alveolar pressure throughout the lungs, preventing the collapse of alveoli and decreases the inspiratory work of breathing, increasing the compliance of lungs.

76
Q

Resistance to air flow:

A

As airway resistance increases, breathing becomes more strenuous.

Resistance is determined by the radius of airways andalso depends on whether flow is laminar or turbulent.

77
Q

With cystic fibrosis, the lung compliance…

A

Decreases –> alveoli become stiffer, with increasing connective tissue and the alveolar elastic recoil capacity is limited.

78
Q

Individuals suffering from emphysema will experience an…

A

increase in lung compliance, because of the destruction of alveolar septal tissue that normally opposes lung expansion.

79
Q

A deficiency in pulmonary surfactant would:

A

Decrease lung compliance

80
Q

i) Define pulmonary ventilation.

ii) Name two factors that affect pulmonary ventilation and explain how they affect ventilation.

A

i) Pulmonary ventilation, or breathing, refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs. It is driven by the contraction/relaxation cycling of intercostal and diaphragm Pressure relationships
ii) Environmental factors such as pressure, temperature, volume and amount of gas present that determines the degree of air movement in/out of the system.

81
Q

Surfactant:

A

A mixture of lipids and proteins secreted by type II pneumocytes at the alveoli to reduce surface tension.

82
Q

Compliance:

A

The expansion ability of the lungs that determines how much/little air enters. Resistance to air flow - The opposition of air flow int and out of the respiratory tract by friction

83
Q

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) =

A

Maximal inhale

84
Q

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) =

A

Maximal Exhale

85
Q

Residual Volume (RV) =

A

Air remaining post maximum exhale

86
Q

Residual volume prevents…

A

Pneumothorax

87
Q

Vital Capacity =

A

Inspiratory Reserve Volume + Tidal Volume + Expiratory Reverve

VC = IRV + TV + ERV

88
Q

Forced Vital Capacity =

A

Gas forcibly expelled after taking a deep breath

Expiratory Reserve Volume + Residual Volume
FVC = ERV + RV

89
Q

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV):

A

The amount of gas forcibly expelled at specific time intervals of FVC.
FEV1 is within the first second of FVC ~80% in healthy individuals.

90
Q

COPD, Gas trapping & Obstruction of the Airway leads to:

A

Reduction in airflow to the lungs

Air trapping –> air remains in the lungs at expiration

Hyper-inflalation –> incr. In FRC

91
Q

Signs of COPD, Gas trapping & Obstruction of the Airway

A
  • Incr. Total lung capacity –> enlarged chest
  • TV remains the same
  • -> IRV increases
  • -> ERV decreases
  • RV increases
  • FVC is the same, if not lower
  • FRC is increased (functional Residual Capacity)
  • Functional lung capacity increases
92
Q

Spirometry is used to distinguish between:

A

Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and Restrictive Pulmonary Diseases

93
Q

Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

A

Increased airway resistance from obstruction

COPD, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis

94
Q

Restrictive Pulmonary Disorders

A

Reduced lung capacity

Sarcoidosis, ALS, Asbestosis

95
Q

Total Lung Capacity

(TLC):

A

The maximum amount of air contained in the lungs after maximum inspiration

96
Q

Vital capacity (VC)

A

The maximum amount of air that can be expired after maximum inspiration effort

Measured as an index of pulmonary function
*Strength of pulmonary muscle and function

97
Q

Inspiration Capacity (IC)

A

The maximum amount of air that can be inspired after a normal expiration

98
Q

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

A

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal tidal volume expiration

99
Q

Anatomical Dead Space:

A

Air present in the airway that does not reach the alveoli for gas exchange

100
Q

Alveolar Dead Space:

A

Air in the alveoli that does not participate in gas exchange

101
Q

Total Dead Space:

A

Sum of Anatomical Dead Space and Alveolar Dead Space

The volume of air not used in gas exchange

102
Q

When the respiratory muscles are relaxed, the lungs are at:

A

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

103
Q

Compared to restrictive lung disease, obstructive lung disease has a lower…

A

FEV1/FVC

104
Q

Overall the pulmonary circuit has the following characteristics:

A
  • Relatively shortcircuit/vessels
  • High flow rate at low pressure, due to low vascular resistance (1/10 of systemic circulation)
  • Thin walled, and therefore high compliance vessels
  • Minimal resting smooth muscle tone
  • ‘Passive factors’play a important role in determining flow, for examplegravity when standing has a marked effect on blood flow to upper lungs
105
Q

Factors influencing gasmovementacross the respiratory membrane:

A
  • Structural characteristics of the respiratory membrane
  • Partial pressure gradients and gas solubility
  • Matching of alveolar ventilation and pulmonary blood perfusion
106
Q

The “respiratory membrane” refers to:

A

the area between the alveolusand pulmonary capillaries lining the terminal portions of the lungs.

107
Q

Features of the respiratory membrane:

A
  • The alveolar walls are lined in thin squamous (scaley, thin, flat) epithelial cells (Type I pneumocytes).
  • Pulmonary capillaries tightly encase the external surfaces of the alveoli.
  • Type II pneumocytes secrete pulmonary surfactant to decrease surface tension and assist in gas exchange. A thin(approximately 0.5 µm) layer of interstitial fluid exists between the alveolar and endothelial cells.

Together, these structural properties allow for oxygen and carbon dioxide to easily diffuse between thesystems (from the atmosphere into respiratory and respiratory into circulation).

108
Q

Daltons Law:

A

In a given system of mixed gases, the partial pressure exerted by a single gas presentwill, therefore, be proportional to the amount/percentage of that gas.

109
Q

Henrys Law:

A

The amount of a gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas.

  • Gases with a higher solubility will have more dissolved molecules than gases with a lower solubility if they have the same partial pressure.
110
Q

When the PCO2in the blood is 45 mmHg and 40 mmHg in the alveoli. What will happen to the carbon dioxide?

A

The carbon dioxide will diffuse from the blood into the alveoli, moving from an area of high partial pressure to an area of low partial pressure

Gases move from an area of high pressure to low pressure through diffusion. As the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is higher in the blood, the carbon dioxide from the blood moves into the lungs where it can be removed from the body by exhalation.

111
Q

How do the structural characteristics of the respiratory membrane help facilitate the movement of O2and CO2across the membrane?

A

Pulmonary capillaries sit very close to the alveolus, with a thin layer (0.5 um) of interstitial fluid that sits between the systems.

Type II pneumocytes secrete pulmonary surfactant to assist in the gas exchange. The alveolus wall is lined with a thin sheet of squamous Type I pneumocytes.

Together, these properties allows for oxygen and carbon dioxide to easily diffuse across the respiratory membrane.

112
Q

Gas Transport

A

Molecular oxygen diffuses across the alveoli into bloodwithin the pulmonary capillaries. It is then transported back to the heart and through to the systemic circulationwith

  • Bound to haemoglobin (Hb) within the erythrocytes about 98%
  • Dissolved in blood plasma/erythrocyte cytoplasm (<2%)
113
Q

Haemoglobin (Hb)

A
  • 4 protein chains
  • 4 heme groups
  • Fully saturated when all 4 molecules for heme are bound.
114
Q

Hb02

A
  • Vasoconstrictor
  • 20ml of oxygen can be dissolved in 100ml of plasma, resulting in 235 ml O2/min being delivered to tissues. Plasma provides the remainder 15ml O2/min.
115
Q

Carbon Monoxide

A
  • 210 times greater affinity for Hb as oppose to O2
  • Reduces O2-carrying capacity
  • Can bind to Hb and reduces O2 release –> shifts curve to the left
  • CO binding to myoglobin causes myocardial depression, hypotension, and arrhythmias and immediate death
116
Q

What are some factor(s) that affect the binding/dissociation rates of oxygen with haemoglobin?

A
  • Blood pH
    • PCO2
    • Temperature
117
Q

John goes for a run. His body temperature increases and more CO2is produced from high rates of cellular respiration. Does the O2-Hb curve shift to the left or right?

A
  • Shifts to the right
118
Q

Identify and describe the three ways that CO2can be transported in the bloodstream.

A

Carbon dioxide can be transported by three mechanisms: dissolved in plasma, as bicarbonate, or as carbamino-hemoglobin.

Dissolved in plasma, carbon dioxide molecules simply diffuse into the blood from the tissues. Bicarbonate is created by a chemical reaction that occurs mostly in erythrocytes, joining carbon dioxide and water by carbonic anhydrase, producing carbonic acid, which breaks down into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. Carbamino-hemoglobin is the bound form of hemoglobin and carbon dioxide.

119
Q

Transport of CO2:

A
  • Dissolved- 7%
  • Chemically bound to hemoglobin(carbaminohaemoglobin) - 23%
  • Bicarbonate ions(HCO3-) - 70%
  • Carbonic acid(H2CO3) - not quantitively important
  • Carbonate(CO3-) - not quantitively important
120
Q

The vast majority of CO2 (89%) diffuses into red blood cells. T/F

A

True

121
Q

Most of CO2 combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which quickly dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) T/F

A

True

122
Q

the majority of CO2 diffuses intoerythrocytes and this process is catalysed by the enzyme…

A

carbonic anhydrase

123
Q

*PO2 in systemic arterial blood (104 mmHg) is…

A

greaterthan PO2 in tissues (< 40 mmHg)

124
Q

*PCO2 in systemic arterial blood (40 mmHg) is…

A

lessthan PCO2 in tissues (> 45 mmHg)

125
Q

Transport of CO2: In Tissue

A
  1. Oxygen transported hereas oxyhemoglobin is released and diffuses into the tissue for cellular respiration.
  2. Hb binds with hydrogen ions (H+) to form HHb.
  3. CO2 from tissue diffuses into the plasma and RBCs.
  4. In the RBCs, the enzyme carbonic anhydrase rapidly converts CO2 and water into carbonic acid (H2CO3) which splits into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen (H+).
  5. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) quickly diffuses from red blood cells into the plasma.
  6. To counterbalance the rapid outrush of negative bicarbonate ions from the RBCs, chloride ions (Cl-) move from the plasma into the erythrocytesto maintain electrical neutrality. This is known as thechloride shift.
126
Q

Transport of CO2: In Lungs

A
  1. Inhaled oxygen diffusesfrom the alveoli intothe capillaries and erythrocytes,combining with HHb to form oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and hydrogen (H+).
  2. Bicarbonate ions move into the RBCs and bind with hydrogen ions (H+) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).
  3. Chloride ions (Cl-) diffuses out of the cell into plasma ie.reverse chloride shift.
  4. Carbonic acid is then split by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to release carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
  5. Carbon dioxide then diffuses from the blood into the alveoli for removal via expiration.
127
Q

The Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer system acts instantaneously and thus…

A

constitutes the body’s first line of defence against acid-base imbalance.

128
Q

The lungs help maintain acid-base balance by:

A

Eliminating or retaining carbon dioxide.

This is regulated by altering the rate and depth of respiration (next module).

129
Q

If H+ ion concentrations begin to rise:

A

excess H+ is removed by combining with HCO3 (excess CO2 exhaled)

130
Q

If H+ ion concentrations begin to drop…

A

Carbonic acid dissociates, releasing H+

In essence, PCO2 is inversely proportional to pH

131
Q

Patient X has pneumonia which causes him to breath shallowly. Due to his reduced breathing capacity patient X is unable to clear CO2effectively, which leads to an accumulation of CO2in the blood. What kind of blood pH disorder does patient X suffer from?

A
  • Respiratory Acidosis
  • The issue is of respiratory origin due to the patients shallow breathing. Higher amounts of CO2in blood will drive the formation of carbonic acid (H2CO3), which lowers the pH of the blood, creating a more acidic environment.
132
Q

Central Pattern Generator:

A

Synaptic network that drives respiration

  • Premotor neurons
  • Motor neurons (phrenic, intercostals)
  • Interneurons
  • Inspiratory and expiratory neurons
133
Q

There are three important brainstem respiratory centres that integrate signals from the periphery and send efferent signals tocontrol breathing.

A
  1. Pontine respiratory group (PRG) in the dorsal lateral pons
  2. Dorsal (DRG) and;
  3. Ventral respiratory groups (VRG) in the medulla oblongata.
134
Q

Dorsalrespiratory group (DRG)

A
  • Inspiratory (discharge in inspiration), although some expiratory role
  • Involuntary, rhythmic, quiet breathing
  • Constant stimulation by DRG for diaphragm and external intercostal muscle contraction; results in inspiration
135
Q

*When constant stimulation is interrupted (via inhibitory impulses), inspiration ceases, muscles relax and the lungs recoil for exhalation

A

*When constant stimulation is interrupted (via inhibitory impulses), inspiration ceases, muscles relax and the lungs recoil for exhalation

136
Q

Ventralrespiratory group (VRG)

A
  • Bothinspiratoryand expiratoryneurons that responsible for the generation of respiratory rhythm
  • Neuronal group is also involved involuntarybreathing by stimulating the internal intercostal and accessory respiratory muscles
137
Q

Sensoryinput to the respiratory centres is via:

A

Pheripheral and central chemoreceptors

138
Q

Peripheral chemoreceptors:

A
  • Located in the carotid and aortic bodies and are innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve, which projects to theNTS
  • are primarily activated by hypoxia,but also (less so) by increased arterial pCO2, decreased pH and hypo-perfusion
139
Q

The peripheral chemoreceptors are responsible for sensinglarge changes in blood oxygen levels.

A

If blood oxygen levels become quite low, PO2 < 60 mm Hg then peripheral chemoreceptors stimulate an increase in respiratory activity.

140
Q

Centralchemoreceptors

A
  • located in the locus ceruleus andNTS, midline (raphe) of the ventral medulla, and ventrolateral quadrant of medulla
  • respond primarily to high pCO2 mediated through the detection of a fall in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
  • are crucial for adequate breathing in sleep
141
Q

Hering-Breuer Reflex

A

Pulmonary stretch receptors are localised in the smooth muscles of bronchi and bronchioles in the lung and the visceral tissue of the pleura.

These receptors are connected to medulla via afferent sensory neurons in the vagus nerveand respond to the inflation of these muscles.

In essence the sensory input prevents over-inflation. Inspiratory neurons in the respiratory CPG are inhibited, stopping inhalation, allowing for muscle relaxation and exhalation.

142
Q

Propioreceptors & metaboreceptors

A

The intercostal muscles and diaphragm contain specialized receptors (muscle spindles) that respond to stretch.

Muscle contraction stimulates a positive feedback loop via the spinal cord that increases motor drive to the inspiratory muscles.

This response ensures that an increase in the resistance to inhalation is met with a compensatory increase in muscle recruitment.

Receptors in the muscles and joints of the locomotor system also provide positive feedback signals to the medullary controller, stimulating hyperpnoea.

143
Q

Propioreceptors & metaboreceptors

A

Some of these receptors are stimulated by passive movement of limbs, and they are thought to play a role in the control of the exercise hyperpnoea especially at the onset of exercise.
The respiratory muscles also contain so-called metaboreceptors that responds to metabolites, such as lactate. These metaboreceptors are present in all muscles. While not directly involved in the modulation of the control of breathing,these inputs provide information regarding the metabolic state and use of your arms and limbs especially during strenuous exercise when more oxygen is required to sustain the increased rate of movement/muscle contraction.

144
Q

Irritant receptors within the lungs

A

Within the epithelial cells of the airways are specialised nerve endings that respond to the air that is taken into the system. It responds to irritants such as dry and/or cold air, smoke, dust, pollen, chemical fumes and excess mucus. Stimulation of these receptors triggers protective reflexes. Bronchoconstriction occurs, breathing becomes more shallow, breath holding occurs before coughing strongly (this prevent these irritants from going deeper into the airways before expelling them)

145
Q

Quiet breathing is primarily determined by signals from the _______

A

Dorsal respiratory group

146
Q

Sensory feedback to the respiratory centre can be initiated by _____

A

Muscle spindles in the intercoastals

147
Q

Which of the following is the most likely cause of high arterial PCO2

A

Depressed medullary respiratory centres

148
Q

When you inhale…

A

the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, the rib cage rises, the lungs are stretched, intra-alveolar volume increases, decreasing the pressure.

149
Q

At inspiration

A

The intra-alveolar (intra-pulmonary) pressure is now below atmospheric pressure, air flows down the pressure gradient, into the lungs (negative pressure breathing) and is available for gas exchange.

150
Q

Air flow continues until…

A

intra-alveolar pressure = Patm

151
Q

The pressure that distends the alveoli is the:

A

transpulmonary pressure = intra-alveolar pressure minus the intra-pleural pressure.

152
Q

As the transpulmonary pressure increases, lung volume increases. T/F

A

True

153
Q

Hysteresis:

A

difference between the pressure-volume curve for inflation and the curve for deflation

154
Q

With fibrosis the lung compliance…

A

decreases –> that is they become “stiffer” with increasing connective tissue and the alveolar elastic recoil capacity is limited

155
Q

Describe emphysema:

A

increases lung compliance and the pressure-volume curve is shifted up and left, because of destruction of alveolar septal tissue that normally opposes lung expansion

156
Q

in obesity chest wall compliance is reduced as moving the diaphragm downward and the rib cage up and out is much more difficult T/F

A

True

157
Q

for laminar flow resistance is inversely related to airway radius

A

for laminar flow resistance is inversely related to airway radius

158
Q

Dalton’s Law in respiration:

A

The air we breathe in is a mixture of gases
Nitrogen: 78.6%
Oxygen 20.9%
The remaining 0.5% consists of water vapour.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) takes up a mere 0.04%.

159
Q

In a given system of mixed gases, the partial pressure exerted by a single gas present will, therefore, be proportional to the amount/percentage of that gas.

A

In a given system of mixed gases, the partial pressure exerted by a single gas present will, therefore, be proportional to the amount/percentage of that gas.

160
Q

Henry’s law states that:

A

the amount of a gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas

161
Q

Ventilation:

A

Amount of blood going into alveoli

162
Q

Purfusion

A

Amount of blood FLOW going into the alveoli

163
Q

The apex of the lung has a _____ ventilation/perfusion ratio

A

Higher

164
Q

The base of the lung has a _____ ventilation/perfusion ratio

A

Lower

165
Q

Within the lung, there is ____ in perfusion at the apex

A

Decrease (due to gravity)

166
Q

“Wasted ventilation” is found at the:

A

Apex of the lung

167
Q

Most O2 is bound to:

A

haemoglobin (Hb) within the erythrocytes about 98%