Respiratory Control and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the physiological mechanisms, anatomical structures, and regulatory controls of the respiratory system.

Voluntary Respiratory Control

Conscious regulation of breathing governed by the cerebral motor cortex.

$CO_2$ and Acid Balance

The process of removing $CO_2$ to help prevent excessive acidity and acid-base disturbance.

External Respiration

The exchange of gases occurring in the lungs.

Internal Respiration

The exchange of gases occurring in the tissues.

End-of-Life Cyanosis

Purple mottling near the end of life reflecting system shutdown, low pressure, and poor oxygenation.

Alveoli

Tiny, thin-walled structures that serve as the site for gas exchange, rather than the bronchial tree or trachea.

Alveolar Surface Area

A surface area of approximately $75\,\text{m}^2$ provided by the alveoli for gas exchange.

Surfactant

A substance produced by Type II cells in the alveoli.

Residual Volume

The residual air that the lungs always retain.

Alveolar Gas Diffusion

The movement of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ down their partial pressure gradients across the alveoli.

Normal Blood $pH$ Range

A tightly maintained range of $7.35$ to $7.45$.

Blood Gas Measurements

Clinical evaluations used to assess $pH$, $O_2$, $CO_2$, and bicarbonate buffering.

Chemoreceptor Respiratory Control

Regulation of breathing driven primarily by $PCO_2$, followed by $PO_2$, and $pH$.

Medulla and Pons

Brainstem structures that coordinate inspiratory-expiratory activity and prevent lung overfilling.