Review of Ventilation Mechanics and Measurements

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ventilation, mechanics, and measurements, essential for understanding respiratory function.

Ventilation

Mechanical movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle of ventilation, responsible for 80-90% of the work of breathing.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs.

Inspiration

The process of taking air into the lungs.

Tidal Volume (VT)

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

Respiratory Rate (RR)

Number of breaths taken in one minute, expressed in breaths per minute (BPM).

Minute Ventilation (MV)

Amount of gas breathed in and out over one minute, expressed in liters per minute (LPM).

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The total volume of the lungs when filled with the maximum amount of air.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The additional air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The additional air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Residual Volume (RV)

The air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation.

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

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

Vital Capacity (VC)

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

Accessory Muscles of Ventilation

Muscles that assist in breathing during increased demand or respiratory stress.

External Intercostals

Muscles that help elevate ribs during inhalation.

Internal Intercostals

Muscles that help depress ribs during forced expiration.

Scalenes

Inspiration muscles primarily involved in elevating the first and second ribs.

Sternocleidomastoid

Muscle that elevates the first rib and sternum during inspiration.

Pectoralis Major

Muscle that lifts ribs and increases anteroposterior diameter of the thorax during inspiration.

Trapezius

Muscle that helps elevate the thoracic cavity by lifting shoulders.

Spirometry

A method to measure lung volumes that can be exhaled and inhaled.

Plethysmography

A method to measure all lung volumes, including residual volume (RV) and total lung capacity (TLC).

Ventilatory Threshold

The point during exercise when ventilation increases disproportionately to oxygen uptake.

Sleep-disordered breathing

Refers to abnormalities in breathing patterns during sleep, such as sleep apnea.

Boyle's Law

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

Lung Compliance

The ability of the lung to expand and contract during breathing.

Lung Elasticity

The lungs' ability to return to their resting state after being stretched.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

A lung disease that results in scarring of the lung tissue, affecting breathing.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Airway Resistance

The resistance to airflow within the respiratory tract.

Ventilatory Efficiency

Measures the effectiveness of the ventilation process based on tidal volume and frequency.