Gas Exchange and Oxygenation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components, physiology, and clinical alterations of the human respiratory and pulmonary systems.

Respiratory System

The system comprised of the nose, oropharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

Upper airway

Consists of the nasopharynx or nose, oropharynx or mouth, and the larynx.

Lower airway

Includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs.

Right lung

The part of the respiratory system made up of three lobes.

Left lung

The part of the respiratory system made up of two lobes.

Bronchodilation

Expansion of the airway in the lungs.

Bronchoconstriction

Restriction of the airway in the lungs.

Ventilation

The flow of air inside or outside of the alveoli, where oxygen is transported in and carbon dioxide is taken out.

Perfusion

The flow of blood by the cardiopulmonary system into the alveolar capillaries.

Surfactant

A lubricant made in the lungs that keeps the alveoli from collapsing.

Hypoxemia

A condition where there is a limited amount of oxygen in the blood.

Retractions

When the muscles are pulled inward and occur between the ribs when inspiration occurs; a sign that the airway is blocked.

Hypoxia

A lack of oxygen at the cellular level.

Lung compliance

The point to which a lung can expand in response to increased pressure within the alveoli (intraalveolar).

Airway resistance

The pressure that exists when the diameter of the airway is narrowed.

Accessory muscle use

An indication of respiratory distress resulting from increased work of breathing due to lung compliance and airway resistance.

Pulmonary Circulation

The process where deoxygenated blood leaves the right ventricle to the lungs through the pulmonary artery and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium of the heart by the pulmonary vein.