Respiratory System Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and processes related to the respiratory system based on the lecture notes.

Respiration

The process of bringing air into the lungs, exchanging gases between air and blood, and eliminating carbon dioxide.

Mucosa

A mucous membrane consisting of epithelium and underlying connective tissue lining the respiratory system.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air taken into or expelled out of the lungs during a quiet breath.

Bronchoconstriction

Contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles that decreases airflow.

Bronchodilation

Relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchioles that increases airflow.

Pulmonary Ventilation

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

Gas Exchange

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the blood.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen and carries it in the bloodstream.

Surfactant

A substance secreted by type II alveolar cells that reduces surface tension in the alveoli.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Clinical View 23.4: Laryngitis

An inflammation of the larynx, often resulting in loss of voice.

Anatomy of the Larynx

A cartilaginous structure that connects the pharynx to the trachea featuring vocal cords.

Partial Pressure Gradient

The difference in pressure of a gas between two areas, driving the diffusion of gases.

Intrapulmonary Pressure

The pressure of air inside the lung's alveoli.

Tissue Gas Exchange

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and systemic cells.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle involved in breathing, located below the lungs.

Pleurae

Serous membranes that surround the lungs and reduce friction during breathing.

Ventilation-Perfusion Coupling

The matching of air flow to the blood flow in the lungs to maximize gas exchange.

Boyle's Law

A principle stating that at constant temperature, the pressure of a gas decreases as its volume increases.

Lung Capacity

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold, including tidal volume, inspiratory and expiratory reserve volume.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition resulting from increased carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hyperventilation

Rapid or deep breathing that can decrease carbon dioxide levels.

Hypoventilation

Shallow or slow breathing that can increase carbon dioxide levels.

Oxygen Reserve

The amount of oxygen remaining in the blood after passing through the systemic capillaries.