Respiratory Physiology: Introduction and Functional Anatomy

Question 1

What percentage of each (4) main gases and atmospheric pressure

What is air made up of?

Answer 1

78.6% Nitrogen
20.8% Oxygen
0.04% Carbon Dioxide
0.5% Water Vapour
with atmospheric pressure at 760 mmHg

Question 2

Why is haemoglobin needed for transport of oxygen within the body and not carbon dioxide?

Answer 2

Oxygen does not readily dissolve in plasma so has to bind to haemoglobin molecules on the red blood cells whereas, carbon dioxide can readily dissolve within the plasma

Question 3

What is tidal volume?

Answer 3

Intrinsic mechanism of breathing at a steady rate while relaxing. Usually 1/3 of max breathing capacity

Question 4

What is Inspiratory Reserve Volume?

Answer 4

The amount of oxygen forecefully breathed in above tidal volume

Question 5

What is the Inspiratory Capacity?

Answer 5

Inspiratory Reserve Volume + Tidal Volume

Question 6

What is Expiratory Reserve Volume?

Answer 6

Maximum breath out

Question 7

What is Residual Volume?

Answer 7

Small amount of oxygen left after the ventilation cycle

Question 8

What is Vital Capacity?

Answer 8

The greatest volume of air that can be expelled after taking the deepest breath

Question 9

What is Functional Residual Capacity?

Answer 9

The volume of air in the lungs after normal, passive exhalation

Question 10

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

Answer 10

To maintain proper concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions in the tissues

Question 11

How are the airways of the respiratory tract layed out?

Answer 11

Series of branching tubes:
Conducting Zone -
* Trachea
* Bronchi
* Bronchioles
* Terminal Bronchioles
Transitonal and Respiratory Zones -
* Respiratory Bronchioles
* Alveolar Ducts
* Alveolar Sacs

Question 12

What is the role of the conducting zone?

Answer 12

Anatomical dead space where no gas exchange occurs just movement of air down the bronchial tree