Respiratory Physiology 1 Flashcards
What are the functions of the respiratory system?
-Gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
-Acid base balance
-Protection from infection
-Communication via speech
What is cellular respiration?
A biochemical process that releases energy from glucose either via glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation.
What is external respiration?
Movement of gases between the air and the body’s cells via the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
What does the pulmonary artery carry?
Deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
What does the pulmonary vein carry?
Oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs.
What is the net volume of gas exchanged by the lungs in the steady state?
250ml/min Oxygen; 200ml/min carbon dioxide
What constitutes the upper respiratory system?
Nasal cavity, mouth, pharynx, larynx
What constitutes the lower respiratory system?
Lungs, trachea, bronchi. Enclosed by the thorax.
What maintains the patency of the trachea and bronchi?
C-shaped rings of hyaline cartilage.
Where do aspirated foreign bodies usually lodge?
The right bronchus as it is wider and more vertical than the left.
What is air in the conducting zone referred to as?
‘dead space’
What tissue type can alter airway diameter?
Smooth muscle in bronchioles
Where does gas exchange occur?
In the alveoli
What is the surface area of the alveoli in an average person?
80m^2 but extremely thin so fits in a volume of about 6L
