Anatomy and Physiology: Respiratory System and Breathing Mechanics

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering respiratory anatomy, breathing mechanics, ventilation vs perfusion, hyper/hypoventilation, zones of the respiratory system, and pH regulation.

Breathing Mechanics

The physiological processes of inspiration and expiration involving changes in thoracic cavity volume and muscle contractions.

Inspiration

Process where air is drawn into the lungs; diaphragm muscles & external intercostal muscles contract, the diaphragm pushes down, and thoracic cavity volume increases.

Expiration

Process where air is pushed out from the lungs; diaphragm muscles & external intercostal muscles relax, the diaphragm rises, and thoracic cavity volume decreases.

Perfusion

Delivering blood to the body's tissues, organs, and cells.

Ventilation

Movement of air in and out of the lungs (breathing).

Hyperventilation

Fast breathing resulting in $\nearrow O_2$ (hyperoxia), $\nwarrow CO_2$ (hypocapnia), and basic pH.

Hypoventilation

Slow breathing resulting in $\nwarrow O_2$ (hypoxia), $\nearrow CO_2$ (hypercapnia), and acidic pH.

Nasal cavity

Respiratory structure where air is warmed and filtered by mucus & hair.

Pharynx

Junction for both food & air.

Larynx

Voice box.

Trachea

Cylinder tube with rings of cartilage that provide support.

Bronchi

Two main airway branches (left and right) splitting from the trachea.

Bronchioles

Smaller branches of bronchial airways.

Alveoli

Lots of tiny air sacs of the lungs that allow for rapid gaseous exchange.

Right Lung

Lung containing 3 lobes.

Left Lung

Lung containing 2 lobes.

Conducting zone

Structures (nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles) that transport air from the outside environment to the site of gas exchange; commonly referred to as the dead zone since no gas exchange occurs here.

Respiratory zone

Structures in the lungs where gas exchange takes place, such as respiratory bronchioles & alveoli.

pH Scale

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14.

Acid

Substances that increase concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$), leading to a solution with higher hydrogen ion concentration (pH less than 7).

Base

Substances with decreased concentration of hydrogen ions ($OH^-$), resulting in less hydrogen ion concentration and making a solution more alkaline (pH greater than 7).

Response to Acidity

Mechanism where an increase in acidity ($H^+$) signals the brain to increase respirations.