Respiratory System pt2

Pulmonary respiration

Ventilation (breathing) and exchange of gases in the lungs.

Cellular respiration

Relates to O2 utilization and CO2 production by the tissues.

Function of the respiratory system

Facilitates gas exchange between the atmosphere and body’s cells, allowing for O2 intake and CO2 removal.

Ventilation

The mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Diffusion

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

Alveolar Gas Exchange

Process where O2 moves from the lungs into the blood and CO2 moves from blood into the lungs.

Circulatory Transport

The transportation of respiratory gases in the blood from the lungs to the body’s cells.

Systemic Gas Exchange

Involves diffusion of respiratory gases between blood and body’s cells.

Conducting Zone

Includes all anatomical structures air travels through before reaching the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Zone

Where gas exchange occurs; includes the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveolar sacs.

Surfactant

Substance produced by alveolar cells that reduces surface tension and helps prevent alveolar collapse.

Peak flow

The maximum speed of expiration; important in assessing airflow limitation in diseases.

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio (V/Q)

The ratio of air reaching the alveoli to the amount of blood reaching the alveoli.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin combined with oxygen.

Deoxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin not in combination with oxygen.

Bohr effect

A decrease in blood pH resulting in a rightward shift of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve.

Myoglobin

Oxygen-binding protein primarily found in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibbers.

Carbaminohemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to carbon dioxide.

Bicarbonate

The form in which a majority of carbon dioxide is transported in the blood.

Hering-Breuer reflex

A reflex that limits lung inflation by inhibiting the inspiratory center.

Chemoreceptors

Specialized neurons that respond to changes in blood chemistry, influencing ventilation.

Lactate threshold

The exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate in the blood.

Pulmonary ventilation

The movement of gas into and out of the lungs.

Vital Capacity (VC)

Maximum gas expired after maximum inspiration.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

Total volume in the lungs after maximum inspiration.

Residual Volume (RV)

Gas remaining in the lungs after maximum expiration.

Pulmonary volumes

Measured using spirometry to assess lung function.

Trachea

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

Bronchi

The main passageways that direct air into the lungs; splits from the trachea into left and right bronchi.

Bronchioles

Small, branching air passages from the bronchi that lead to the alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Nasal Cavity

The space within the nose that filters, warms, and moistens incoming air.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle involved in breathing; it contracts to allow air in and relaxes to expel air.

Pleura

Double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, providing lubrication and reducing friction.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths taken per minute, an important measure of respiratory health.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

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

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

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

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The additional amount of air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition where the lungs cannot remove enough carbon dioxide, leading to a lower pH in the body

Diffusion Capacity

A measure of how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are transferred from the air sacs of the lungs to the blood.

Pulmonary Circulation

The passage of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate in red blood cells.

Ventilatory Capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be ventilated in a given time period.

Oxygen Uptake (VO2)

The amount of oxygen consumed by the body during activity.

Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)

The ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen consumed during metabolism.

Inspiratory Pressure

The pressure in the alveoli during inhalation.

Expiratory Pressure

The pressure in the alveoli during exhalation.

Mucociliary Escalator

A mechanism that clears mucus and debris from the respiratory tract through ciliary movement.

Pulmonary Compliance

The ability of the lungs to stretch and expand during breathing.

Hyperventilation

Rapid or deep breathing that can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood