Respiratory Physiology Key Terms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in respiratory physiology.

Ventilation

The mechanical process that moves air into and out of the lungs.

Gas Exchange

The process of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the lungs and between the blood and tissues.

External Respiration

Ventilation and gas exchange in the lungs.

Internal Respiration

Oxygen utilization and gas exchange in tissues.

Alveoli

Air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that gets air to the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Zone

The site of gas exchange in the lungs.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure in the lungs that fluctuates during breathing.

Intrapleural Pressure

The pressure within the intrapleural space, lower than both intrapulmonary and atmospheric pressure.

Boyle’s Law

States that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand when stretched.

Elasticity

The ability of the lungs to return to their original size after being stretched.

Surface Tension

The elastic-like force created by the fluid lining the alveoli that resists distension.

Dalton’s Law

The total pressure of a gas mixture is equal to the sum of the pressures of each individual gas.

Henry’s Law

States that the amount of gas that can dissolve in liquid depends on the partial pressure of the gas and its solubility.

Surfactant

A surface-active agent secreted by type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an increase in acidity of the blood, often due to hypoventilation.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in acidity of the blood, often due to hyperventilation.

Acute Mountain Sickness

A possible illness due to rapid ascent to high altitude, characterized by headache, nausea, and dizziness.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide, affecting the blood's ability to transport oxygen.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

A condition in premature infants due to a lack of surfactant, leading to collapsed alveoli.

Pulmonary Circulation

The movement of blood from the heart to the lungs and back.

Hypoxic Ventilatory Response

An increase in ventilation due to low levels of oxygen.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A condition characterized by repeated collapses of the airway during sleep.