The respiratory system: physiology

Question 1

What is respiration?

Answer 1

the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli and in tissues of the body

Question 2

What is diffusion?

Answer 2

the passive process in which oxygen molecules move from an area with a higher concentration of oxygen molecules to an area of lower concentration.

Question 3

What does the brain stem do?

Answer 3

The brain stem automatically controls breathing if the level of carbon dioxide or oxygen in arterial blood is too high or too low.
i. The medulla initiates the ventilation cycle when stimulated by high carbon dioxide levels.

Question 4

What is ventilation?

Answer 4

simple movement of air into and out of the lungs

Question 5

What is tidal volume?

Answer 5

the amount of air that is moved into or out of the lungs during a single breath

Question 6

What is residual volume?

Answer 6

the gas that remains in the lungs to keep the lungs open

Question 7

What is minute volume?

Answer 7

Minute volume: the amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs in 1 minute minus the dead space
e. Respiratory rate × tidal volume = minute volume

Question 8

Characteristics of normal breathing

Answer 8

. Normal rate and depth (tidal volume)

2. Regular rhythm or pattern of inhalation and exhalation
3. Clear, audible breath sounds on both sides of chest
4. Regular rise and fall movement on both sides of the chest
5. Movement of the abdomen

Question 9

Inadequate breathing in adults

Answer 9

Inadequate breathing patterns

1. Labored breathing
2. Muscle retractions above the clavicles, between the ribs, and below the rib cage
3. Pale or cyanotic (blue) skin
4. Cool, damp (clammy) skin
5. Patient in the tripod position (leaning forward on arms stretched forward)
6. Agonal gasps