Blood Pressure, Respiratory System, & Gas Exchange (Chapter 48)

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a particular gas in a mixture of gases.

Boyle’s Law

At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

Alveoli

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

Tidal Volume

The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath.

Hemoglobin

An oxygen-binding protein found in erythrocytes that can carry up to four molecules of oxygen.

Bicarbonate ions

The form in which the majority of carbon dioxide is transported in the blood.

Negative Pressure Breathing

A method of ventilation in mammals where air is pulled into the lungs due to lowered pressure.