Chapter 22: Respiratory System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the respiratory system, enhancing understanding and retention for exam preparation.

Gas Exchange

The process by which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the lungs, blood, and tissues.

External Respiration

Diffusion of gases between blood and the lungs.

Internal Respiration

Diffusion of gases between blood and tissues.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by each gas in a mixture, proportional to its percentage in the mixture.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Ventilation-Perfusion Coupling

The matching of alveolar ventilation with pulmonary blood perfusion for efficient gas exchange.

Oxygen Transport

The process of oxygen being carried in blood, mostly bound to hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.

Hypoxia

Inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially leading to cyanosis.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.

Hypercapnia

Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hypocapnia

Reduced levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow.

Emphysema

A condition characterized by permanent enlargement of alveoli and destruction of alveolar walls.

Chronic Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that causes excessive mucus production and coughing.

Bohr Effect

The physiological phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and decreased pH lead to enhanced oxygen unloading from hemoglobin.

Carbon Dioxide Transport

The process of transporting carbon dioxide in the blood, mainly as bicarbonate ions.

Bicarbonate Ions (HCO3-)

An important buffer in the blood that helps maintain pH balance.

Chloride Shift

The exchange of bicarbonate ions and chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane.

Ventilation

The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Perfusion

The flow of blood to the alveoli of the lungs.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors in the body that detect changes in chemical composition, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Medullary Respiratory Centers

Areas in the medulla oblongata that control the rhythm and rate of breathing.

Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG)

A group of neurons that integrates sensory information to control breathing.

Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG)

A group of neurons that produces the basic rhythm of breathing.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

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

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The maximum volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Insufficient Ventilation

Inadequate air exchange in the lungs leading to respiratory issues.

Lung Compliance

The ease with which the lungs can expand during inhalation.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition arising from poor breathing that leads to an increase in carbon dioxide and decrease in pH.

Pulmonary Diseases

Diseases affecting the lungs, often causing breathing difficulties.

Acclimatization

Physiological adjustments that occur in response to changes in environmental conditions, such as high altitude.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin that has released its oxygen.

Alveolar Gas Composition

The mixture of gases in the alveoli, notably with higher CO2 and water vapor than in atmospheric air.

Gas Solubility

The ability of a gas to dissolve in liquid, significant for gas exchange efficiency.

Inspiratory Muscles

Muscles that facilitate inhalation, primarily the diaphragm and intercostals.

Exhalation Muscles

Muscles involved in expelling air from the lungs.

Respiratory Rhythm

The pattern of breathing established by the respiratory centers in the brain.

Cough Reflex

A protective mechanism that clears air passages of irritants and secretions.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for gas exchange in humans and other organisms.

Inflammatory Response in Asthma

An immune reaction that causes airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to breathing difficulties.

Common Types of Lung Cancer

Include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma.

Pneumonia

Infection causing inflammation in the lungs, filling the alveoli with fluid.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Health issues arising from rapid ascent to high altitude, due to reduced oxygen levels.

Gas Exchange Efficiency

The effectiveness of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the lungs and tissues.