Respiratory Care and Cardiopulmonary Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the mechanics of breathing, respiratory structures, and gas transport based on the lecture notes.

Ventilation

The movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Diffusion

The movement of gases between the alveoli and the bloodstream.

Respirations

The exchange of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ during cellular metabolism.

Perfusion

The transport of oxygenated blood into and out of lungs to organs and tissues.

Patent airway

A term used when the airway pathway (nose, pharynx, trachea, bronchus, bronchioles, and alveoli) functions normally.

Phrenic nerves

The nerves that send stimuli to the diaphragm to trigger contraction.

Inhalation (Inspiration)

The process where the diaphragm moves downward and intercostals contract to enlarge the chest cavity, creating negative pressure ($vacuum$) that pulls air into the lungs.

Expiration

The process where the diaphragm contracts back to its original size, forcing air out of the lungs.

Hemoglobin

A molecule that transports most $O_2$ and acts as a carrier for both $O_2$ and $CO_2$.

Carbonic acid ($HCO_3$)

Formed when $CO_2$ moves into RBCs; it later dissolves into $H^+$ and $HCO_3$ ions.

Deoxyhemoglobin ($HbCO_2$)

Formed when $H^+$ ions bind to hemoglobin; this method accounts for $23\%$ of carbon dioxide transport.

Bicarbonate ($HCO_3$)

The form in which $70\%$ of $CO_2$ is carried in the plasma, helping maintain acid-base balance.

Carbamino compounds

One of the three ways carbon dioxide is transported in the blood, alongside being dissolved in plasma and as bicarbonate.