Extra Resp Phys Flashcards
What equation can be used to demonstrate resistance of an airway?
Poiseuille’s law: R = 8ƞl / πr^4.
ƞ = viscosity, l = length
Briefly describe inspiration.
Inspiration is an active process. The external intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract. The volume of the thoracic cavity increases and you get a negative intra-thoracic pressure; air is drawn in.
Briefly describe expiration.
Expiration is usually passive. The ribs move down and in, the diaphragm relaxes. The intra-thoracic volume decreases and the pressure increases.
The main driver is the by the elastic recoil of the internal intercostals
of the lungs
Air is forced out.
What is it called when you have a high V/Q ratio?
Dead space. Lots of ventilation but no perfusion.
Pulmonary Embolism
What is it called when you have a low V/Q ratio?
give example
Shunt. Lots of perfusion but no ventilation.
eg Pulmonary Oedema
Does the apex (top of lung) have a high or a low V/Q? Why?
High - effect of gravity, far more perfusion at the base of the lung.
Name 4 causes of hypercapnia
- Increased dead space ventilation; rapid, shallow breathing.
- V/Q mismatch.
- Increased CO2 production.
- Reduced minute ventilation.
Name 4 causes of hypoxia.
- Hypoventilation.
- V/Q mismatch.
- Diffusion abnormality.
- Reduced PiO2.
What is the alveolar gas equation?
PAO2 = PiO2 - (PaCO2/R)
r usually 0.8
What is Dalton’s law?
In a mixture of non reacting gases Ptotal = Pa + Pb. (P total is the sum of the pressures of individual gases).
What is Boyle’s law?
Pressure and Volume are inversely proportional:
P1V1 = P2V2.
What is Henry’s law?
THE SOLUBILITY of a gas is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas. S1/P1 = S2/P2.
At higher pressure, insoluble gasses are more likely to dissolve
E.g. nitrogen in joints whilst diving
What is the acid/base dissociation equation?
CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 = HCO3- + H+
What is Laplace’s law?
Whats the significance?
P = 2T/R.
(pleased 2Teach Rachel)
Small alveoli have greater pressure, more air will move from small to larger alveoli, = uneven aeration
When is surfactant produced?
It starts being produced from 34 weeks gestation and production increases rapidly 2 weeks before birth.
List 4 functions of surfactant.
- Prevents alveoli collapse.
- Allows homogenous aeration.
- Reduces surface tension.
- Maintains functional residual capacity.
What does the pneumotaxic area do and where is it located?
It switches off inspiratory neurones and so allows expiration. It is located in the upper pons.
What does the apneustic centre do and where is it located?
It inhibits expiration by activation inspiratory neurones. It is located in the lower pons.
Where are SASR (slow adapting stretch receptors) located?
What activates them?
Found in smooth muscle around airways.
Activated by lung distension
(to stop lungs from overstretching) Herring - Bruer Reflex)
How do SASR respond to activation?
They inhibit inspiration and so promote expiration. – Prevent overstretching
Where are RASR (rapidly adapting stretch receptors) located?
Between airway epithelial cells.
What activates RASR?
Respond by what?
Lung distension and irritants.
bronchoconstriction
What activates C fibres J receptors?
Increased interstitial fluid volume.
How do C fibres J receptors respond to activation?
They cause rapid, shallowing breathing. Bronchoconstriction and cardiovascular depression.