Respiratory System Flashcards
(26 cards)
What 2 parts make up the respiratory system?
Upper and lower respiratory tracts
What does the upper tract include?
- Nasal Cavity
- Pharynx
- Larynx
What does the lower respiratory tracts include?
- Trachea
- Primary Bronchi
- Lungs
What are the 5 functions of the respiratory system?
- Gas exchange
- Acid base balance
- Immune function
- Humidifying inhaled air
- Temperature regulation
What are the 2 zones the respiratory system is sub divided into?
Conducting and respiratory zones
What does the conducting zone do?
brings air into and out of the site of gas exchange
What is the respiratory zone?
Site of gas exchange - lined with alveoli
What is the average normal adult respiratory rate?
12 breaths per minute
What are the two phases of breathing?
Inspiration and expiration
What is the respiratory membrane made up of?
A thin layer of fluid lining the alveoli
A thin squamous epithelial cells of the alveoli
The epithelial basement membrane
The interstitial space
The basement membrane of the capillary endothelium
The capillary endothelium
What is Boyles Law?
The pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to the volume
Which equation describes Boyles law?
PV = nRT
What are the 2 membranes of the lungs?*****
Visceral plura and Parietal plura
What is the name of the fluid between the 2 membranes of the lungs? What’s its function?
Plural Fluid
- Lubrication
- Makes plural membranes hard to seperate
What does the DRG do?
Stimulate muscles of inspiration
What does the VRG do?
Stimulate muscles of expiration
What does the PRG consist of?
- Pneumotaxic center
- Apneustic center
What does the PRG function as?
A pacemaker system which sets the breathing rhythm
What device is used to measure breathing?
Spirometer
How does a spirometer work?
?????
What is ‘minute respiratory volume’?
A measure of the total volume of air that passes through the respiratory system per minute
What is the normal minute respiratory volume of a healthy individual?
6L
What equation is used to calculate minute respiratory volume?
VE = f x VT
Where:
VE = the amount of air moved each minute
f = respiratory rate by (normal 12 -18 breaths/minute)
VT = the tidal volume
What is the alveola ventilation rate (VA)?
The amount of air reaching the alveoli each minute
