Respiratory System Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts related to the respiratory system, gas exchange, ventilation, and blood gases.

Blood-Brain Barrier

A semipermeable membrane that protects the brain by preventing harmful substances in the blood from entering brain tissue.

Agonal Breathing

An abnormal, gasping type of breathing that can occur just before death. It's a reflex originating in the brainstem and may last several minutes after cardiac arrest.

pH

Measures how acidic or basic a fluid is. A lower pH means the fluid is more acidic, while a higher pH indicates it is more alkaline.

Kussmaul's Breathing

A deep and rapid breathing pattern seen in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. It helps the body remove excess carbon dioxide to reduce acid levels.

"J" Receptors (Juxtacapillary Receptors)

Located in the lung tissue near capillary walls. These receptors respond to fluid buildup and can cause rapid, shallow breathing.

Respiratory Quotient (RQ)

What is the ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed?

Dalton's Law

States that the total pressure of a gas mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each gas in the mixture.

PaO2

Represents the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood. It is used in ABG interpretation.

Alveolar dead space

Refers to parts of the lung where alveoli are ventilated but not perfused with blood, so no gas exchange occurs.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear, protective fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the CNS and removes waste.

Partial Pressure of Oxygen in Alveoli

The oxygen pressure in the alveoli at rest is approximately what?

Oxygen Percentage in Room Air

Room air at sea level contains approximately how much oxygen?

Normal Arterial Oxygen Level (PaO2)

A healthy adult's arterial oxygen typically ranges between what?

Water Vapor Pressure at 37°C

When air is warmed to body temperature, the water vapor pressure becomes how much?