Respiratory System Anatomy & Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.

Pulmonary ventilation

The process of breathing, which includes inhalation and exhalation.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The volume of a single breath at rest.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air exhaled after maximum inhalation.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli and prevents their collapse.

Bohr Effect

The phenomenon where an increase in carbon dioxide pressure leads to a decrease in hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

A condition in newborns characterized by difficulty in breathing due to insufficient surfactant.

Hemoglobin saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites occupied by oxygen molecules.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Consists of structures including the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx.

Gas exchange

The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide moving between the lungs and the bloodstream.