Physical Principles of Gas Exchange - Quiz 4 Flashcards
(42 cards)
In what directions do gas move?
Randomly, both in and out through membranes and fluids of respiratory structure
What is the mechanism and rate of molecule transfer dependent on?
Gas Diffusion and Partial Pressure
Basis of Gas Diffusion
- Gas molecules free to move across membranes
- molecules not attached to one another
- Dissolve easily into fluids or tissues
What is the energy source for gas diffusion?
Kinetic Motion
- Gas molecules move in a line at high velocity, bumping into eachother
- Random movement
Net Diffusion of Gas
- When there is a concentration gradient, net diffusion of gas moves in one direction
- Rate of diffusion depends on pressure
Composition of Air
- 79% N; 21% O2
- 1 atm = 760 mmHg
Henry’s Law
Solubility of gas in a liquid depends on
Temperature
Partial Pressure of gas over liquid
Nature of Solvent
Nature of Gas
In water, ______ is 20x more soluble than ________
CO2 is 20x more soluble than O2
What is the Rate of Net Diffusion determined by?
Difference of Partial Pressures (pp)
- pp in alveoli > blood = gas moves into blood (oxygen)
- pp in blood > alveoli - gas moves to alveoli (co2)
What is the Vapor Pressure when gas mixture is fully humidified to 37 C?
47 mmHg
- VP depends on temp. Higher temp = higher kinetic energy and more water escaping into gas
Partial Pressure of Oyxgen in Upper Airway
713 mmHg * 21% = 150 mmHg
Factors that Affect Gas Diffusion Rates
Pressure Differences
Gas Solubility in Fluid
Area of Fluid
Distance for gas diffusion
Molecular Weight of Gas
Temperature of Fluid (constant in body)
D is __________ proportional with solubility and __________ proportional to the sq. root of the gas’ molecular weight.
Directly, Inversely
What are respiratory gases highly soluble in?
Lipids
What limits the rate of gas movement into tissues?
Diffusion rate of gas through tissue water
Movement of gas into/out of tissues = diffusion rate of gas through water
Why is Alveolar air different from Atmospheric Air?
- Alveolar air is partially replaced by atm. air with each breath.
- O2 constantly going to blood and CO2 to alveoli
- Air entering lung is humidified, diluting gas partial pressures
What concept prevents sudden changes in gas concentrations and allows respiratory stability?
The way alveolar air is renewed - multiple breaths needed to exchange alveolar air.
- 350 ml of air/breath
- FRC = 2500 mL
- Each breath replaces a seventh of FRC
- prevents sudden changes in gas concentrations
- allows more respiratory control
How long does it take for normal breathing to remove 1/2 of alveolar gas
17 Seconds
What is normal alveolar PO2
100 mmHg
What is normal alveolar PCO2?
40 mmHg
Alveolar PCO2 increases in proportion to CO2 excretion
When is Dead Space Air and Alveolar Air expired?
Dead Space Air expired in first portion and alveolar air is expired at end of exhalation
Factors that affect rate of gas diffusion through respiratory membrane
Thickness of Resp. Membrane
Surface area of Resp. Membrane
Coefficient (D)
Pressure Difference across Resp. Membrane
Rate of diffusion is ______ proportional to membrane thickness
Inversely
Increase in thickness by 2-3x significantly interferes
EX: Edema, Fibrosis
How does decreasing membrane surface area effect Diffusion Rate?
Decreasing surface area by 1/4 impedes gas significantly
EX: Removing Lung tissue or Emphysema (5x decrease)