Laboratory #6: Respiratory Physiology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to respiratory physiology measured during the laboratory exercise.

Chest dimensions

Measurements of the chest volume and area during different phases of the respiratory cycle.

Valsalva's maneuver

A forced expiration against a closed glottis to demonstrate the influence of respiration on circulation.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, aiding lung function.

Tidal volume (TV)

The amount of air moved in or out of the lungs during a normal breath.

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)

The volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)

The volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after normal expiration.

Residual volume (RV)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximum expiration.

Forced vital capacity (FVC)

The total amount of air exhaled forcefully after a deep inhalation.

FEV1

Forced expiratory volume in one second; the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled in the first second.

Negative feedback loop

A control mechanism that reverses a change in a physiological variable to maintain homeostasis.

Apnea

A temporary suspension of breathing.

Hering-Breuer reflex

A reflex that helps to prevent over-inflation of the lungs by inhibiting further inhalation when lungs are fully expanded.

Central chemoreceptors

Receptors in the brain that monitor the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Peripheral chemoreceptors

Receptors located in the aorta and carotid arteries that monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Breathing rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Minute volume (air flow rate)

The total volume of air exchanged in one minute during breathing.