alveoli

what is the main site of gas exchange

the alveoli

anatomy of alveolii

small hollow sacs connected to airways so that air can flow through them

what is the alveoli wrapped with

pulmonary capillaries

why is the total surface area of alveoli large

to allow large amounts of o2 and co2 by diffusion very fast

what are the 3 cell types of alveoli

type 1 alveolar cells, type 2 alveolar cells, and alveolar macrophages

define type 1 alveolar cells

makes up most of the alveoli wall

• continuous layer

• one cell thick

• has flat epithelial cells

define type 2 alveolar cells

produces detergent like substance

define alveolar macrophages

immune cells inside alveoli

define pleura

double membrane surrounding the lungs

define viceral pleura

directly covers the lungs

movs with lungs while breathing

define the parietal pleura

• Lines the inside of the chest wall

• Attached to ribs, diaphragm, and mediastinum

• Does not move with the lungs directly.

define pleural space

• Space between the two layers

• Contains intrapleural fluid

• Reduces friction and helps lungs stay attached to chest wall

the elements that determine pulmonary compliance are

• elasticity of the connective tissue. affects how easily lungs expand

• surface tension at the air water interfaces within alveoli. resists expansion

what does surfactant do?

1. reduces surface tension which increases lung compliance

what is surfactant made up of

phospholipids and proteins

what is tidal volume

volume of air entering the lungs during a single respiration.

what is vital capacity

maximum volume of air a person can expire after maximal inspiration

~4700

what is inspiratory reserve volume

maximum amount of air that can be inspired

~3000

what is functional residual capacity

amount of air left in lungs after normal expiration

what is expository reserve volume

maximal amnt of air that can be forcefully expired

what is residual volume

the amount of air left in lungs after forceful expiration