Foundations of Biomedical Sciences: The Respiratory System

Flashcards for key vocabulary related to the respiratory system in biomedical sciences.

Ventilation

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs.

Haemoglobin

A respiratory pigment in red blood cells that binds oxygen and increases the efficiency of its transport.

Dissociation

The process by which a compound separates into its individual components.

Affinity

The ability of haemoglobin to bind to oxygen; a higher affinity means more oxygen can be carried.

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen.

Bohr Shift

A phenomenon where increased levels of CO2 decrease the affinity of haemoglobin for oxygen, causing the dissociation curve to shift.

Myoglobin

An oxygen-binding molecule found in striated muscles that has a higher affinity for oxygen than haemoglobin.

Gas Exchange Surface

A surface designed to promote the exchange of gases, characterized by a large surface area, thin barrier, and moist environment.

Pressure Gradient

A difference in pressure that drives gases to diffuse from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

Respiratory Gases

Gases involved in respiration, primarily oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).