Respiratory System 3

These flashcards cover essential concepts from the lecture on the respiratory system, including gas laws, gas exchange, and transport mechanisms.

What determines pulmonary ventilation?

Pulmonary ventilation is determined by airflow and a series of pressures between atmospheric pressure (Patm) and alveolar pressure (Palv).

What is Boyle's Law in the context of respiration?

Boyle’s Law states that, at a constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional.

What is external respiration?

External respiration involves the exchange of O2 and CO2 between the body's interstitial fluid and the environment, including pulmonary ventilation, gas diffusion, and transport of gases in the blood.

According to Fick’s Law, what factors influence the rate of gas diffusion?

The rate of diffusion of a gas through tissue is proportional to the tissue area and difference in partial pressure, and inversely proportional to tissue thickness.

What does Dalton's Law state?

Dalton's Law states that the total atmospheric pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases.

How is oxygen transported in the blood?

Oxygen is transported in two ways: 1. Dissolved in plasma (1.5%), 2. Bound to hemoglobin (Hb) as oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) (98.5%).

What does a leftward shift in the O2 saturation/dissociation curve indicate?

A leftward shift indicates increased oxygen saturation and hemoglobin's increased affinity for O2, usually due to increased pH or decreased CO2 and temperature.

What mechanisms are involved in carbon dioxide transport in blood?

Carbon dioxide is transported in three ways: 1. Dissolved in plasma (5.5%), 2. Bound to hemoglobin as carbaminohemoglobin (4.9%), 3. Buffered as bicarbonate (89%).

What is the physiological significance of pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is characterized by fluid accumulation in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange and leading to hypoxia and decreased lung compliance.