Pulmonary Circulation I

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the pulmonary circulation, including the path of blood through the lungs, the characteristics of pulmonary blood pressure, and the mechanisms of recruitment and distension in response to changes in blood volume.

Pulmonary Circulation

The path that blood takes through the pulmonary capillary network, receiving 100% of cardiac output from the right heart.

Pulmonary Capillary Network

A network of capillaries in the lungs where gas exchange occurs between blood and alveoli.

High Flow

Refers to the pulmonary circulation's ability to handle a large volume of blood, receiving all cardiac output.

Low Pressure System

Characterizes the pulmonary circulation with pressures around 14 mm Hg in the pulmonary artery compared to 90 mm Hg in the aorta.

Compliance

The ability of the pulmonary vasculature to accommodate increased blood volume with minimal changes in blood pressure.

Capillary Recruitment

The process of opening previously closed capillaries to accommodate increased blood flow, especially during conditions like exercise.

Distension

The expansion of blood-filled capillaries to hold larger volumes of blood without a significant increase in pressure.

Ventilation (V)

The process of air exchange in the lungs, which is not uniform, with greater ventilation at the lung base than at the apex.

Perfusion (Q)

The supply of blood to the lung tissues, which is also greater at the base than at the apex due to gravitational effects.

Gravity Effect on Perfusion

The reason for increased blood perfusion at the lung base compared to the apex, affecting gas exchange efficiency.