Chapter 2: Ventilation and Gas Flow

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the chapter on ventilation and gas flow in respiratory care.

Ventilation

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

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, critical for pulmonary ventilation.

Pressure Gradients

Differences in pressure that drive air flow during ventilation.

Boyle’s Law

States that the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume, crucial for understanding lung mechanics.

Driving Pressure

The pressure difference that generates airflow in the respiratory system.

Transrespiratory Pressure

The pressure difference between the atmosphere and airway openings.

Transmural Pressure

The difference in pressure inside an airway and the surrounding pleural space.

Transpulmonary Pressure

The difference between intra-alveolar pressure and pleural pressure.

Transthoracic Pressure

The pressure difference across the thoracic wall.

Lung Compliance

The measure of the lung's ability to stretch and expand.

Elastic Properties of the Lung

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

Poiseuille's Law

Describes the flow of fluid in a cylindrical pipe, applicable to the bronchial airways.

Airway Resistance

Resistance to airflow within the bronchial tubes, influenced by airway diameter.

Dynamic Compliance

Compliance measured during breathing, reflecting how easily the lungs can expand.

Alveolar Ventilation

The volume of fresh air reaching the alveoli per minute, crucial for gas exchange.

Dead Space Ventilation

The portion of ventilation that does not participate in gas exchange due to it reaching areas without alveoli.

Biot’s Respiration

Irregular breathing patterns characterized by periods of apnea.

Hyperpnea

Increased depth of breathing.

Hyperventilation

Increased rate and/or depth of breathing leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels.

Hypoventilation

Decreased rate and/or depth of breathing leading to increased carbon dioxide levels.

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration

A pattern of breathing characterized by periods of deep breathing followed by periods of apnea.

Kussmaul’s Respiration

Abnormally deep and rapid breathing often seen in metabolic acidosis.