Pulmonary Blood Supply and Gas Exchange

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to pulmonary blood supply, gas exchange, and respiration.

Gas Exchange

The movement of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between the blood and the alveoli.

Pulmonary Circulation

The process where blood flows from the right side of the heart to the lungs for gas exchange.

Alveolus

A small air sac in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Pneumocyte

Cells forming the structure of the alveoli; Type I are involved in gas exchange, Type II secrete surfactant

Alveolar Macrophage

Phagocytic immune cells in the alveoli that ingest foreign particles and pathogens.

Dalton's Law

States that the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is the sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas.

Henry's Law

States that the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid.

External Respiration

The process of gas exchange in the lungs, where oxygen is taken up by the blood and carbon dioxide is released.

Internal Respiration

The interchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the blood and the cells of the body.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases.