Animal Physiology Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to animal physiology, particularly focusing on the topics of gas exchange, respiration, and lung anatomy.

Physiology

The scientific study of function in living systems.

Gaseous Exchange

The process by which organisms exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between their bodies and their environment.

Boyle’s Law

The principle that at constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas.

Fick’s Law

States that the rate of diffusion across a surface is proportional to surface area multiplied by the concentration gradient divided by the diffusion distance.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

A comparison of the surface area of an object to its volume; significant in the efficiency of gas exchange.

Pulmonary Surfactant

A substance secreted by the lungs that reduces surface tension and helps keep the alveoli open.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory cells that detect changes in chemical composition, playing a role in controlling respiration.

Inspiration

The process of taking air into the lungs, involving contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Expiration

The process of expelling air from the lungs, involving relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Tidal Volume (Vt)

The volume of air that enters and leaves the lungs with each resting breath.

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible.

Residual Volume (RV)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after the strongest possible expiration.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The total volume of the lungs, including vital capacity and residual volume.

Deep Breathing

An active process during which additional muscles are used for deeper inhalation and forceful exhalation.

Forced Respiration

An active breathing process stimulated during vigorous activities that involves greater muscular contraction.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Trachea

The windpipe, a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air passage.

Diaphragm

The muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and plays a key role in breathing.