WEEK 4 Flashcards
(59 cards)
What is Boyle’s Law, and how does it relate to breathing?
Boyle’s Law states that in a closed system, air pressure and volume are inversely proportional (P1 × V1 = P2 × V2). When lung volume increases, internal air pressure decreases, causing inhalation.
What is the principle of pressure equalization in breathing?
Air moves from a region of higher pressure to lower pressure:
- Inhalation: Lung volume ↑ → Pressure ↓ → Air flows in
- Exhalation: Lung volume ↓ → Pressure ↑ → Air expelled
How does negative-pressure breathing work?
The thoracic muscles increase and decrease lung volume, allowing air to move in and out due to pressure differences.
What is Tidal Volume (TV)?
The volume of air exchanged during relaxed breathing (~0.5L in males, ~0.4L in females).
What is Vital Capacity (VC)?
The maximum volume of air exchanged in breathing:
VC = ERV + TV + IRV
Males: 4-5L
Females: 3-4L
What is Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
The maximum air inhaled after a normal tidal inspiration.
IRV = IC - TV
50% - 100% of lung capacity
Males: ~3L
Females: ~2L
What is Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)?
The maximum air expelled after a normal exhalation.
ERV = FRC - RV
20% - 40% of lung capacity
Males: >1L
Females: <1L
What is Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)?
The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation.
FRC = ERV + RV
0% - 40% of lung capacity
Males: >2L
Females: <2L
What is Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
The total volume of air the lungs can hold.
TLC = VC + RV
Males: 5-6L
Females: 4-5L
What is Residual Volume (RV)?
The air that remains in the lungs even after maximum exhalation (~0% - 20% of lung capacity).
How does speech breathing differ from tidal breathing?
- Speech breathing: Uses 25%-70% of VC, with shorter inspiration and longer expiration for sustained airflow during speech.
- Tidal breathing: Uses 50% of lung capacity, with an equal rhythmic pattern.
Suppose a person’s lungs contain 500 mL (0.5L) of air at 1 atm before inhalation. If their lung volume increases to 700 mL (0.7L), what is the new pressure inside the lungs?
Using Boyle’s Law (P1 × V1 = P2 × V2):
1 atm × 0.5L = P2 × 0.7L
P2 = 0.714 atm
Which of the following best defines Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)?
A) The maximum volume of air inhaled after a normal inhalation
B) The maximum volume of air exhaled after a normal exhalation (ERV)
C) The total volume of air that can be exhaled after maximum inhalation (VC)
D) The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation (RV)
A) The maximum volume of air inhaled after a normal inhalation
What are the primary functions of the lungs?
The lungs are the primary organs of respiration, responsible for gas exchange. They contain alveoli, which facilitate oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange with the blood.
How do the right and left lungs differ?
- Right lung: 3 lobes (superior, middle, inferior)
- Left lung: 2 lobes (superior, inferior); smaller due to heart placement
What is the function of the pleura?
The pleura is a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs:
- Visceral pleura: Adheres to the lungs
- Parietal pleura: Lines the chest wall
- Pleural space: Contains pleural fluid, reducing friction for smooth movement
What is the hierarchical structure of the airway leading to the lungs?
A) The trachea divides into bronchioles, which lead to the alveolar ducts and eventually the alveoli
B) The bronchi branch into the trachea, which further divides into alveoli
C) The bronchi branch directly into alveolar sacs, bypassing the bronchioles and alveolar ducts
D) The trachea bifurcates into bronchi, which divide into bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli
D) The trachea bifurcates into bronchi, which divide into bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli
What is the primary muscle of inhalation, and how does it function?
The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inhalation. It contracts and flattens, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing lung pressure, allowing air to enter.
What is the central tendon of the diaphragm, and what is its function?
A tough, flat sheet of tendon at the diaphragm’s core
Functions:
- Transmits force from muscle contractions
- Enables the diaphragm to flatten and move downward during inhalation
What is the advantage of having a central tendon instead of all muscle?
Tendons are stronger and more cushiony than muscles, helping transfer energy efficiently to the lungs.
What are the accessory muscles of inhalation, and what do they do?
- External intercostal muscles: Elevate the ribs, expanding the chest wall
- Sternocleidomastoid muscles: Raise the sternum, increasing thoracic volume
What role does the central tendon play in the functioning of the diaphragm during inhalation?
A) It acts as a hinge point allowing the diaphragm to expand outward
B) It serves as the attachment site for the heart and lungs
C) It transmits the force generated by the diaphragm’s muscular contractions and enables the diaphragm to flatten and move downward
D) It prevents the diaphragm from over-contracting during inhalation
C) It transmits the force generated by the diaphragm’s muscular contractions and enables the diaphragm to flatten and move downward
What is the difference between passive and active exhalation?
- Passive exhalation: Relaxation of the diaphragm and elastic recoil of the lungs push air out.
- Active exhalation: Requires abdominal and internal intercostal muscles to forcefully push air out.
What muscles are involved in active exhalation?
- Abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis, obliques, transversus abdominis)
- Internal intercostal muscles (pull ribs down to reduce thoracic volume)