Integrative Physiology - Respiratory System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and terminology related to the respiratory system based on the lecture notes.

Ventilation

The mechanical flow of air into and out of the lungs.

Pulmonary gas exchange

The exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the alveoli and the blood.

Mucociliary escalator

The mechanism that removes dust and debris from the respiratory tract through cilia and mucus.

Conducting zone

The part of the respiratory system that prepares air for gas exchange by filtering, warming, and humidifying it.

Respiratory zone

The area of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, primarily in the alveoli.

Compliance of lungs

The measure of the lungs' ability to stretch and expand; high compliance means easier expansion.

Airway resistance

The resistance encountered by air as it moves through the respiratory tract, primarily at the bronchioles.

Dalton’s law

Each gas in a mixture exerts its own pressure independently of other gases.

Henry’s law

The quantity of gas that will dissolve in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen; critical for oxygen transport in the blood.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin without bound oxygen.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by Type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in alveoli.

Respiratory muscles

Muscles involved in the process of breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2)

The pressure exerted by oxygen in a mixture of gases, important for the diffusion of oxygen.

Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-)

The form in which a majority of carbon dioxide is transported in blood; plays a major role in pH regulation.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that respond to changes in chemical composition, such as CO2 and O2 levels in the blood.

Inspiratory capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration.

Total lung capacity

The total volume of air in the lungs after maximum inhalation.

Functional residual capacity

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration.

Gas exchange

The process of oxygen entering the blood and carbon dioxide being released; occurs in alveoli and tissues.

Minute ventilation

The total amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled from the lungs in one minute.

Exercise-induced ventilation changes

Adjustments in breathing rate and depth that occur in response to increased physical activity.

Medulla oblongata

The part of the brain that controls involuntary functions including respiration.