Altered Ventilation and Diffusion

Flashcards covering key concepts related to altered ventilation and diffusion, along with common lung disorders.

Ventilation

The process of acquiring oxygen (inspiration) and removing carbon dioxide (expiration) from the blood.

Diffusion

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveolar capillary junction.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air that is breathed in or out during a normal breath.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

The amount of air forcefully exhaled after the deepest inhalation.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a specific gas in a mixture of gases.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse.

Hypoxemia

Decreased oxygen levels in the arterial blood.

Hypercapnia

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Impaired Ventilation

A condition characterized by blocked airflow in and out of the lungs.

Impaired Diffusion

Restricted transfer of oxygen or carbon dioxide across the alveolar capillary junction.

Asthma

A chronic condition characterized by airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation.

Emphysema

A lung condition that causes irreversible enlargement of the air spaces beyond terminal bronchioles and destruction of alveolar walls.

Chronic Bronchitis

A condition defined by a persistent productive cough lasting at least 3 months for two consecutive years.

Pneumonia

An infectious process that causes inflammation of the lungs, characterized by cough, fever, and sputum production.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

An autosomal recessive disorder affecting the transport of electrolytes and water, leading to mucous plugging and infections.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

A severe lung condition characterized by rapid onset of respiratory failure due to inflammation and edema.