Respiratory Physiology Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange – delivering oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.
What are the main structures of the respiratory system?
Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs, diaphragm.
What is the role of alveoli in the respiratory system?
Site of gas exchange; oxygen enters blood, and carbon dioxide leaves.
What muscles are involved in inspiration?
Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.
What is the mechanism of expiration at rest?
Passive process due to elastic recoil of the lungs and thoracic cavity.
What is tidal volume?
The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing (~500 mL).
What is vital capacity?
The maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.
What part of the brain regulates breathing?
The medulla oblongata and pons in the brainstem.
What are chemoreceptors and what do they detect?
Sensors that detect changes in CO₂, O₂, and pH levels in the blood.
What is the Bohr effect?
A decrease in blood pH or increase in CO₂ reduces hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity.
How is most CO₂ transported in the blood?
As bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) in plasma.
What is pulmonary ventilation?
The movement of air into and out of the lungs (breathing).
