Gas Exchange and Oxygenation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the respiratory system and gas exchange, including definitions of essential terms.

Respiratory System

The system comprised of the nose, oropharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

Lungs

Organs responsible for bronchodilation and bronchoconstriction, structured with lobes.

Bronchodilation

The expansion of the airway in the lungs.

Bronchoconstriction

The restriction of the airway in the lungs.

Ventilation

The flow of air inside or outside of the alveoli.

Perfusion

The flow of blood by the cardiopulmonary system into the alveolar capillaries.

Diaphragm

A muscle that contracts during inhalation, creating negative pressure in the lungs.

Surfactant

A lubricant made in the lungs that prevents alveoli from collapsing.

Hypoxemia

A condition characterized by a limited amount of oxygen in the blood.

Hypoxia

A lack of oxygen at the cellular level.

Lung Compliance

The ability of the lung to expand in response to increased pressure within the alveoli.

Accessory Muscles

Muscles that may be used to assist breathing in respiratory distress.

Pulmonary Circulation

The path of deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and back as oxygenated blood.

Mitral Valve

The valve that allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Aorta

The large artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.