Unit 4: Circulation, Respiration, Digestion, and Kidneys - Respiratory System II

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the respiratory system, focusing on oxygen transport, hemoglobin function, and gas exchange in the body.

Respiratory System Overview

The overall function and role of the respiratory system in the body.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, typically measured in mmHg.

Partial Pressures

The pressure contributed by a single gas in a mixture, affecting gas exchange.

Diffusion of O2 and CO2

The process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide move across membranes due to concentration differences.

Altitude Sickness

A condition resulting from low oxygen levels at high altitudes, causing symptoms like headache and nausea.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body.

Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve

A graph showing the relationship between oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and the partial pressure of oxygen.

Cooperative Binding

A phenomenon in which the binding of one molecule increases the affinity of additional molecules for a binding site.

Metabolic Waste Products

Substances produced by metabolism, such as CO2 and H+, that can affect physiological processes.

Binding Affinity

The strength of binding interactions between molecules, which can influence physiological responses.

Sickle-cell Anemia

A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin structure, leading to abnormally shaped red blood cells.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body despite external changes.

Peripheral Tissues

Body tissues that are not part of the lungs but are involved in gas exchange.

Pressure Gradient

The difference in pressure between two areas, driving the movement of gases.

PO2

The partial pressure of oxygen, indicating its concentration in a mixture.

Lung Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Conformational Change

A structural change in molecules, often affecting their function.

Dissociation Curve Shift

The movement of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve due to factors such as pH or temperature.

Fetal Hemoglobin

A form of hemoglobin in fetuses that binds oxygen more tightly than adult hemoglobin.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect changes in chemical concentrations, such as CO2 and O2.

Ventilation

The process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Respiratory Membrane

The barrier through which gas exchange occurs in the lungs.

Capillary Blood

Blood flowing through the capillaries, where gas exchange takes place.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and protons.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

A major form in which CO2 is transported in the blood.

Sympathetic Nerves

Nerves that typically stimulate the fight-or-flight response, impacting respiratory function.

O2 Saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the blood occupied by oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells produce ATP using oxygen.

Metabolic Active Tissues

Tissues that are highly active and consume large amounts of oxygen.

Blood Oxygen Transport

The methods by which oxygen is carried through the blood.

Alveolar Space

The area in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between air and blood.

Hemoglobin Affinity for O2

The strength with which hemoglobin binds to oxygen.

Exercise Impact on PO2

How physical activity affects oxygen partial pressures in the blood.

Gas Exchange

The process by which oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide is released in the lungs.

Dissolved CO2

Carbon dioxide that is dissolved in plasma, not bound to hemoglobin.

Erythrocyte Cytosol

The fluid component within red blood cells where various reactions occur.

Cl- Exchange

The process of exchanging chloride ions to maintain ionic balance during bicarbonate transport.

Respiratory Centers

Regions in the brain that control breathing rate and depth.

Voluntary Control of Breathing

The ability to consciously regulate breathing, such as during speaking or singing.

Transport of O2 in Lungs

How oxygen is absorbed from the air in the lungs into the bloodstream.

Transport of CO2 in Tissues

How carbon dioxide is transported from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation.

Metabolic Rate

The rate of metabolism in organisms, affecting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Physiological Responses

Responses in the body due to changes in gas concentrations and physical activity.