Oxygenation & Perfusion

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to oxygenation and perfusion, including definitions crucial for understanding respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Oxygenation

The process of delivering oxygen to the blood and tissues.

Perfusion

The passage of fluid (blood) through the circulatory system to organs and tissues.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Mucociliary clearance

A mechanism in the respiratory system that helps remove mucus and debris from the airway.

Pulmonary surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse.

Hypoxia

An inadequate amount of oxygen available to the cells.

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing.

Hyperventilation

Increased rate or depth of breathing.

Tidal volume (TV)

The total amount of air inhaled and exhaled with one breath during normal breathing.

Vital capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air exhaled after maximum inspiration.

Forced vital capacity (FVC)

The maximum amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inspiration.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A test that measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Capnography

A monitoring tool that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by increasing breathlessness.

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax the muscles of the airways to improve breathing.

Venturi mask

A type of oxygen mask that delivers a precise concentration of oxygen.

Chest physiotherapy

Treatments that help improve lung function by clearing mucus.

Tracheostomy tube

A tube inserted into the trachea to facilitate breathing.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The natural pacemaker of the heart that initiates the heart's contractions.