Ex phys Wk 3 & 4

Question 1

Primary function of the pulmonary system? What secondary function does it serve?

Answer 1

Primary (Pulmonary Respiration)

• Ventilation
• Exchange of O2 and CO2 in the lungs

Secondary (Cellular Respiration)
- Regulation of acid-base balance during exercise

Refers to ventilation (breathing) and exchange of gases (O2 and CO2) in the LUNGS.

secondary function - voice production, body temperature and acid-base regulation, and the sense of smell.

Question 2

Major anatomical components of the respiratory system

Answer 2

Includes the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tree and lungs.

2 Main Zones:
Conducting Zone - trachea, terminal bronchioles
Respiratory zone - alveoli

Question 2

What muscle groups are involved in ventilation during rest? During exercise?

Answer 2

Ventilation/ breathing during…..

Rest= diaphragm and inspiratory rib cage muscles
Exercise= rib cage muscles, including the intercostals, the parasternals, the scalene and the neck muscles

Question 3

Discuss those factors that influence the rate of diffusion across the blood-gas interface in the lung

Answer 3

The rate of gas transfer (V gas) is proportional to the tissue area, the diffusion coefficient of the gas, and the difference in the partial pressure of the gas on the two sides of the tissue, and inversely proportional to the thickness