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2 PHYSIOLOGY > Respiratory physiology > Flashcards

Respiratory physiology Flashcards

(65 cards)

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1
Q

What is ventilation?

A

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

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2
Q

True or False: Factors affecting ventilation include lung compliance and airway resistance.

A

True

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3
Q

Fill in the blank: The primary muscles involved in breathing are the diaphragm and the ______.

A

intercostal muscles

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4
Q

What is lung compliance?

A

The ability of the lung to stretch and expand.

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5
Q

How does airway resistance affect ventilation?

A

Increased airway resistance decreases airflow, making ventilation less efficient.

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6
Q

What is the formula for calculating lung volume?

A

Lung volume can be calculated as the difference between the volume of air inhaled and exhaled.

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7
Q

What is tidal volume?

A

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal respiration.

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8
Q

True or False: The residual volume is the amount of air left in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.

A

True

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9
Q

What device is commonly used to measure lung function?

A

Spirometer

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10
Q

What does FEV1 stand for?

A

Forced Expiratory Volume in one second.

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11
Q

What is the significance of FEV1 in lung function tests?

A

It helps assess the presence and severity of obstructive lung diseases.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: The ______ is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation.

A

inspiratory reserve volume

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13
Q

What is the normal range for tidal volume in adults?

A

Approximately 500 mL.

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14
Q

True or False: Obstructive lung diseases increase FEV1.

A

False

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15
Q

What is the primary factor that determines the mechanics of breathing?

A

Pressure gradients between the atmosphere and the lungs.

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16
Q

What role does surfactant play in the lungs?

A

It reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse.

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17
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors does NOT affect ventilation? A) Lung compliance B) Airway resistance C) Body temperature D) Alveolar surface tension

A

C) Body temperature

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18
Q

What is the function of chemoreceptors in the context of ventilation?

A

They monitor blood pH, CO2, and O2 levels to regulate breathing.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The ______ is the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal expiration.

A

expiratory reserve volume

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20
Q

What is the total lung capacity?

A

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, including all volumes.

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21
Q

True or False: Spirometry can be used to diagnose restrictive lung diseases.

A

True

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22
Q

What is the primary purpose of measuring lung function?

A

To assess respiratory health and diagnose lung diseases.

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23
Q

What is the effect of age on lung function?

A

Lung function typically declines with age.

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24
Q

Multiple Choice: Which lung volume cannot be measured directly using a spirometer? A) Tidal volume B) Residual volume C) Vital capacity D) Inspiratory reserve volume

A

B) Residual volume

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25
What is a peak flow meter used for?
To measure the maximum speed of expiration.
26
True or False: Hyperventilation can lead to respiratory alkalosis.
True
27
What is the significance of the inspiratory capacity?
It indicates the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration.
28
Fill in the blank: The ______ effect describes how oxygen binding to hemoglobin is affected by pH and CO2 levels.
Bohr
29
What is the primary driver of the breathing process?
The diaphragm's contraction and relaxation.
30
What does the term 'dead space' refer to?
Areas of the respiratory system where gas exchange does not occur.
31
True or False: The lung volumes are the same in all individuals.
False
32
What is the formula for calculating minute ventilation?
Minute ventilation = Tidal volume x Respiratory rate.
33
What is the role of the intercostal muscles during breathing?
They assist in expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity.
34
Fill in the blank: The ______ is the difference between the total lung capacity and the vital capacity.
residual volume
35
What is the significance of measuring arterial blood gases?
It helps assess the gas exchange efficiency and acid-base balance.
36
True or False: Increased lung compliance is generally a sign of healthy lung function.
False
37
What is the main effect of asthma on lung function?
It causes bronchoconstriction and increased airway resistance.
38
Multiple Choice: Which lung volume can be increased through deep breathing exercises? A) Tidal volume B) Residual volume C) Expiratory reserve volume D) Total lung capacity
A) Tidal volume
39
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
To facilitate gas exchange between the body and the environment.
40
what are the 3 factors affecting ventilation
1. RESISTANCE – the ease with which air moves into the lungs. 2. LUNG COMPLIANCE - the ease with which the lungs can expand. 3. LUNG ELASTICITY – ability of the lungs return to their original size.
41
what is boyles law
There is an INVERSE relationship between PRESSURE and VOLUME P1V1 = P2V2 Pressure is measured as mm Hg * This law applies to all gases or mixtures of gasses
42
what are the 6 steps of gas exchange
1. O2 enters the blood through alveola to capillaries 2. O2 is transported in blood dissolved in plasma or bound to haemoglobin inside RBC 3. O2 diffuses into cells 4. CO2 diffuses out of cells 5. CO2 is transported dissolved/bound to haemoglobin or as HCO3- 6. CO2 enters alveoli through capillaries
43
what is partial pressure
Partial pressure = pressure of component of a gas mixture in air (e.g. air is CO2, O2 & N2)
44
how to calculate partial pressure (e.g. partial pressure of O2 in air)
if we get given percentage of O2 in air e.g. 20% do 20% (0.2) of total air pressure (e.g. 760 mmHg) = 152 mmHg
45
what is the equation for diffusion
Diffusion inversely proportional to: surface area x barrier permeability / distance^2
46
factors that affect gas exchange
1. surface area 2. diffusion distance 3. conc. gradient 4. partial pressure
47
what does O2 and haemoglobin binding depend on
O2 partial pressure and plasma O2
48
how many O2 molecules can bind to one haemoglobin
4, because haemoglobin has 4 haem groups which can bind one O2 each
49
what are the effects of pH on oxygen saturation
the Bohr effect happens - where decreased pH (more acidic) reduces the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen, which helps release oxygen in active tissues Oxygen Dissociation Curve Shift: - Low pH (more H⁺) → Curve shifts right ➡ Haemoglobin releases more oxygen - High pH (less H⁺) → Curve shifts left ➡ Haemoglobin holds onto oxygen tighter This means tissues that are more active (and thus produce more CO₂ → more H⁺ → lower pH) get more oxygen delivered.
50
What happens to oxygen saturation at low pH?
Haemoglobin has lower affinity for oxygen → more O₂ is released to tissues. (Bohr effect)
51
How does low pH shift the O₂ dissociation curve?
It shifts the curve to the right.
52
Why is low blood pH helpful in active tissues?
more active tissue (and thus produce more CO₂ → more H⁺ → lower pH) get more oxygen delivered.
53
What does 2,3-DPG do to haemoglobin?
It decreases its affinity for oxygen, making it easier to release O₂ to tissues.
54
How does 2,3-DPG affect the O₂ dissociation curve?
Shifts the curve to the right (more oxygen released).
55
When does 2,3-DPG increase?
At high altitudes, in hypoxia, or anaemia — to help oxygen delivery
56
what 2 things does the medulla control in relation to breathing
1. coordinates quiet and forced breathing 2. controls frequency of ventilation
57
what 2 things does Pons control in relation to breathing
1. controls volume & depth of ventilation 2. Influenced by O2/CO2 requirements
58
what 3 things does chemoreceptors do
1. Respond to changes in Pco2, Po2 and [H+] 2. Central and peripheral locations 3. Most effective in altering ventilation
59
what 2 things does baroreceptors do
1. Detect changes in blood pressure 2. Located in carotid body and aortic arch
60
Which muscles are used in normal inhalation?
Diaphragm and external intercostals (contract to expand thoracic cavity)
61
Which muscles help during forced exhalation?
Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles.
62
What do chemoreceptors do during forced breathing?
Detect changes in CO₂, O₂, and pH → signal medulla to adjust breathing rate/depth.
63
How do baroreceptors respond during forced inhalation/exhalation?
Detect BP changes due to thoracic pressure shifts → adjust heart rate and vessel tone slightly.
64
what do stretch receptors do
1. prevent against excessive stretching 2. Involved in forced breathing ONLY 3. stimulate expiration
65
Most powerful influence on ventilation is Pco2, why
due to changes in [H+] which cause firing of central chemoreceptors

2 PHYSIOLOGY (16 decks)

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