Airway resistance

Primary determinant of resistance to airflow

radius of the conducting airway

Bronchoconstriction

decrease in the radius of the bronchioles due to parasympathetic stimulation

Bronchodilation

increase in bronchiole radius, decreases airflow resistance, sympathetic stimulation

Compliance of airway

how much effort is required to stretch/distend the lungs

less compliant

more work to produce a given degree of inflation

Elastic Recoil

how readily the lungs return to perspiratory volume after having been stretched

Elastic recoil depended on

highly elastic connective tissue in the lungs and Alveolar surface tension

Pulmonary Surfactant key factors

prevents Alveolar Collapse, reduces work of breathing, maintains dry airways, host defense, and stabilization

Albuterol

acts as a quick relief or rescue medication for breathing difficulties

What does albuterol stimulate?

beta 2 adrenergic receptors