Physiology - Pulmonary / Renal Block (I) Flashcards
(234 cards)
Describe some of the functions of the lungs and respiratory system.
(1) To transport / warm / humidify / filter air for gas exchange
(2) To filter the blood for particles, clots, or tumors
(3) To metabolize compounds (e.g. peptides, amines, arachidonic acid metabolites)
(4) To provide a reservoir for blood for the left ventricle
(5) To facilitate speech / vocalization
In what organ system is angiotensin I converted to angiotensin II?
In what organ system is bradykinin removed from the blood?
The lungs;
the lungs
How thick is the alveolar-capillary membrane?
0.3 μm
True/False.
Large increases in pulmonary capillary pressure can damage the thin alveolar-capillary interface (0.3 μm).
True.
Identify the labeled structures in this scanning electron micrograph.


What structures will an O2 molecule in the alveolar air cross to reach a passing RBC and bind to hemoglobin?
A surfactant layer –>
A type I pneumocyte –>
The pneumocyte basement membrane –>
The interstitial space –>
The capillary basement membrane –>
The capillary endothelial cell –>
Plasma –>
The RBC membrane –>
Hemoglobin
True/False.
Fibroblasts impair gas exchange in the alveoli.
True.
(due to fibrosis and increased collagen / fiber deposition)
Describe the epithelium type of a type I and type II pneumocyte.
Type I - simple squamous (less abundant but make up 95% of surface area)
Type II - simple cuboidal (more abundant)
Which section of the respiratory system has the smallest cross-sectional area?
Which section of the respiratory system has the largest cross-sectional area?
The smallest bronchi;
the alveoli

How much volume (on average) is in the conducting zone?
How much volume (on average) is in the alveoli?
150 mL
(~1 mL per lb. ideal body weight)
2 - 3 L
Which zone of the respiratory tract is synonymous with dead space?
How much volume is typically in this space?
The conducting zone;
150 mL
(~1 mL per lb. ideal body weight)
What is the purpose of nasal turbinates?
To increase surface area and warm/humidify the air
What is Dalton’s law?
(In relation to atmospheric pressure)
Total gas pressure = the sum of the partial pressures of its constituent gasses
(e.g. Patm = pH2O +pCO2 + pO2 + pN2)
What gas partial pressures contribute to atmospheric air pressure (Patm)?
pH2O +pCO2 + pO2 + pN2
What is Henry’s law?
(In relation to atmospheric pressure)
The amount of gas dissolved is proportional to its partial pressure
(e.g. Pgas = Fgas x Patm)
What is the partial pressure of oxygen in inspired air (dry, ambient, and at sea level)?
150 mmHg
- (PO2 * (Patm - PH2O))*
- (0.21 * (760 - 47))*
What is the partial pressure of H2O in dry, ambient air at seal level that has just been inhaled into the nose?
What will the partial pressure be by the time it has passed through the trachea?
0 mmHg;
47 mmHg
Describe the changes in partial pressure of O2 as air travels from the environment through the nose, trachea, and alveoli.
(Note: assume dry, ambient air at sea level.)

Describe the changes in partial pressure of CO2 as air travels from the environment through the nose, trachea, and alveoli.
(Note: assume dry, ambient air at sea level.)

Describe the changes in partial pressure of H2O as air travels from the environment through the nose, trachea, and alveoli.
(Note: assume dry, ambient air at sea level.)

What is the water pressure in dry, sea level air that has been inspired, humidified, and warmed?
47 mmHg
How long does blood normally remain in contact with the pulmonary capillaries before moving on (assume at rest and not in a disease state)?
0.75 seconds
When does surfactant production begin in utero?
~25 weeks
Which alveoli will collapse first in cases of surfactant deficiency, the small or the large?
The small
(Due to the law of LaPlace, the pressure in the small is greater and so they flow into the large. Surfactant is meant to counter this pressure differential.)












































































