NS - Respiration I Flashcards
What is the physiological definition of respiration and what are the 4 stages involved?
The process by which an organism exchanges gases with its environment
1. Movement of O2/CO2 in and out the lungs
2. Movement of O2/CO2 across alveolar and endothelial membrane
3. Transfer of O2/CO2 in blood to tissues
4. Movement of O2/CO2 across endothelial and cell membranes
What are the 2 main roles of respiration?
- Gas exchange
- Regulation of blood pH- Altered by changing blood CO2 levels
How is the nose involved in respiration? (2)
- Passageway for air
- Cleans and humidfies the air
What 3 regions are present in the pharnyx?
- Nasopharynx
- Oropharynx
- Laryngopharynx
What are 3 features of the Larnyx?
- Mantain an open passageway
- Epiglottis and ventricular folds prevent matter from moving in
- Vocal folds act as a primary source of sound production
Conducting zone vs Respiratory zone
- The conducting zone transports the air into and out of the lungs
- The respiratory zone allows gas exchange between the lungs and the blood.
What is the Tracheobronchial Tree?
Part of the conducting zone
Trachea ==> Bronchioles
- Cartilage holds the system open
- Smooth muscle controls diameter and length
What are alveoli?
Part of the respiratory zone
Tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles
- Clusters of alveoli are surrounded by elastic fibres
- Very thin and surrounded by capillaries
What is the lung surrounded by and how is it retained in place?
A thin layer of pleural fluid
Retained by a partial vacuum
What occurs during inspiration?
External intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract
- Thoracic volume increases
What occurs during expiration?
Diaphragm relaxes
Internal intercostal muscles contract
- Thoracic volume decreases
How do you calculate Transpulmonary pressure?
ALVEOLAR PRESSURE - PLEURAL PRESSURE
What does it mean if the lung has a low compliance?
The lungs and thorax are harder to expand (greater TPP change needed)
