Introduction to Pathophysiology

Vocabulary and key concepts from Chapter 1 of the pathophysiology course, focusing on definitions and key terms related to respiration, cellular metabolism, and physiological functions.

Aerobic Metabolism

The breakdown of molecules, such as glucose, through a series of reactions that produce energy within cells in the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic Metabolism

The breakdown of molecules in the cells without the presence of oxygen, resulting in lactic acid as a byproduct.

Perfusion

The delivery of oxygen, glucose, and other substances to the cells and the elimination of waste products from the cells.

Boyle's Law

States that the volume of gas is inversely proportional to pressure; used to explain ventilation mechanics.

Tidal Volume

The volume of air breathed in with each individual breath.

Minute Ventilation

The amount of air moved in and out of the lungs in one minute, calculated as tidal volume times the frequency of ventilation.

Alveolar Ventilation

The amount of air that reaches the alveoli for gas exchange in one minute.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The force inside a vessel or capillary bed generated by the contraction of the heart and blood pressure.

Plasma Oncotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in plasma that tends to draw water into the circulatory system.

Baroreceptors

Stretch-sensitive receptors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses that detect changes in blood pressure.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that monitor pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels in arterial blood to regulate ventilation.

V/Q Ratio (Ventilation/Perfusion Ratio)

Describes the dynamic relationship between the amount of ventilation the alveoli receive and the amount of blood flow through the capillaries.

Cellular Metabolism

The processes by which cells obtain and utilize energy.

Compliance

A measure of the ability of the lungs and chest wall to stretch and expand.

Airway Resistance

Resistance that affects the airflow through the conducting airways leading to the alveoli; typically increases due to edema, mucus, or constriction.

Dead Space

Anatomical areas in the respiratory tract where air collects but no gas exchange occurs.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that has lost its oxygen.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cellular mechanism that exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions across the cell membrane, requiring energy.

Hypoxic Drive

A condition where ventilation is primarily stimulated by decreased oxygen levels rather than increased carbon dioxide levels.

Alveolar-Capillary Membrane

The site of gas exchange in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and capillaries.