Respiratory Short Answer

Boyle's law

A principle stating that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume when temperature is held constant.

Dalton's law

A principle stating that the total pressure of a gas mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas in the mixture.

Henry's law

A principle stating that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid.

Respiratory tract

The passageway through which air moves into and out of the lungs, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Respiration

The process of exchanging gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the body and the environment.

Inspiration

The process of taking air into the lungs, typically involving the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs, usually occurring when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange.

Alveoli

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

Type I alveolar cells

Thin epithelial cells that make up the walls of the alveoli, facilitating gas exchange.

Type II alveolar cells

Cells in the alveoli that produce surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.

Alveolar macrophages

Immune cells located in the alveoli that help to clear pathogens and debris from the respiratory system.

Respiratory membrane

The barrier between the alveoli and the blood, consisting of alveolar epithelium, capillary endothelium, and their fused basement membranes.

Spirometer

A device used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs.

Upper respiratory tract

The part of the respiratory system that includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx.

Lower respiratory tract

The part of the respiratory system that includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

Pressure gradient

The difference in pressure between two areas, which drives the movement of air during breathing.

Atmospheric pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, typically measured at sea level.

Intrapulmonary pressure

The pressure within the alveoli of the lungs, which changes during the breathing cycle.

Intrapleural pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity, which is always negative relative to intrapulmonary pressure.

Partial pressure

The pressure exerted by a single type of gas in a mixture of gases.

Tidal volume (TV)

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)

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

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Residual volume (RV)

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation.

Vital capacity (VC)

The total amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Forced vital capacity (FVC)

The amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible.

Inspiratory capacity (IC)

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

Functional residual capacity (FRC)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation.

Total lung capacity (TLC)

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

What is inspiratory capacity?

Inspiratory capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration, calculated as the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume.

What is functional residual capacity?

Functional residual capacity is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration, calculated as the sum of expiratory reserve volume and residual volume.

What is vital capacity?

Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation, calculated as the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume.

What is total lung capacity?

Total lung capacity is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, calculated as the sum of vital capacity and residual volume.