NURS 208 Ventilation and the Respiratory System

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to ventilation and the respiratory system.

Conducting zone

Part of the lung without alveoli where no gas exchange occurs.

Respiratory zone

Part of the lung where gas exchange occurs due to the presence of alveoli.

External respiration

Gas exchange that occurs in the lungs, primarily involving O2 and CO2 levels.

Internal respiration

The process of energy production that occurs in the mitochondria.

Intrapleural space

The cavity filled with pleural fluid that creates a link between the lungs and the thoracic cage.

Type I alveolar cells

Cells that make up the alveolar walls and are primarily responsible for gas exchange.

Type II alveolar cells

Cells that secrete surfactant, which helps maintain lung expansion and keeps alveoli moist.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle of inspiration that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Boyle’s Law

A principle stating that an increase in the volume of a gas will result in a decrease in pressure, and vice versa.

Surfactant

A phospholipoprotein complex synthesized by Type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse.

Intrapleural pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity, typically negative relative to atmospheric pressure.

Quiet expiration

A passive process where respiratory muscles relax, causing air to flow out of the lungs without energy expenditure.

Forced expiration

An active process involving contraction of expiratory muscles to expel air from the lungs.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Respiratory muscles

Muscles involved in the process of breathing, including inspiratory and expiratory muscles.