Review of Pulmonary Diffusion and Gas Exchange

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary related to pulmonary diffusion and gas exchange.

Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PO2)

The pressure exerted by oxygen in a mixture of gases, which helps determine the movement of oxygen across membranes.

Fick's Law of Diffusion

A formula used to calculate the rate of diffusion, which states: (Area/Thickness) * Diffusion Coefficient * Pressure Gradient.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs; they have a high surface area and are essential for diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Bohr Effect

The phenomenon where an increase in acidity or temperature leads to more oxygen being released from hemoglobin to tissues.

AVO2 Difference

The difference in oxygen content between arterial blood and venous blood, indicating how much oxygen is used by tissues.

Hemoglobin Saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are filled with oxygen, influencing oxygen transport capacity.

Diffusion Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance (like oxygen or carbon dioxide) across a space, driving the movement of that substance.

Perfusion

The flow of blood through the lungs, which is necessary for gas exchange to occur.

Diffusion Constant (D)

A measure of how easily a gas diffuses, with carbon dioxide diffusing approximately 20 times more efficiently than oxygen.

Oxygen-Carrying Capacity of Blood

The ability of blood to carry oxygen, primarily determined by hemoglobin concentration and saturation.

Respiratory Muscles

Muscles involved in breathing that are typically fatigue-resistant and continuously active.

Pressure Gradient

The difference in pressure that causes gases to move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Tidal Volume

The amount of air inhaled and exhaled with each breath.

Critical Blood Flow

The essential circulation of blood that removes oxygen from the lungs and brings deoxygenated blood for re-oxygenation.

Endurance Exercise

Sustained physical activity that relies on oxygen used by the body to produce energy.