Respiratory System and Alveolar Function

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures and physiological processes of the alveolar-capillary system based on the lecture transcript.

Hydration of mucosal lining

Provides facilitation of ciliary function and effectiveness.

Alveoli

There are approximately $300$ million of these structures in contact with pulmonary capillaries.

Alveolar Capillary Membrane

The site where gas exchange occurs, allowing Oxygen to go into the blood and $CO_{2}$ to come out.

Type II alveolar cells

Specific cells that secrete Surfactant to reduce surface tension.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by Type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension.

Type I alveolar cells

Alveolar cells that take part in gas exchange.

Interstitial spaces

The space between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that can increase during disease, eventually damaging the AC membrane and making it permeable to fluids.

Fibrotic AC membrane

The state of the Alveolar Capillary Membrane when it develops scar tissue.

Interstitial lung disease

A disease state associated with the increase of interstitial fluid and the potential for the AC membrane to become fibrotic.