Chapter 8 Review: Pulmonary and Systemic Circulation

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Chapter 8 review on pulmonary and systemic circulation, including definitions and physiological principles.

Pulmonary Circulation

Transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle through the pulmonary artery to the lungs for gas exchange.

Systemic Circulation

Transports oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through the aorta to the rest of the body.

Transmural Pressure

Difference in pressure across a vessel or airway, indicating if the vessel or airway is open or closed.

Transpulmonary Pressure

Difference in pressure between the alveolar and pleural space, determining the inflation of the alveoli.

Swan-Ganz Catheter

A device used to estimate the blood pressure in the pulmonary capillaries.

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR)

Impedance to blood flow from the right ventricle through the pulmonary circulation.

Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction (HPV)

A protective mechanism where pulmonary blood vessels constrict in response to low alveolar oxygen levels.

Intrapulmonary Shunt

Occurs when blood passes through pulmonary capillaries without gas exchange due to lack of ventilation.

Absolute Intrapulmonary Shunt

Blood passes through the lungs without gas exchange, consisting of anatomic and capillary shunts.

Dead Space

Alveoli that are ventilated but have insufficient blood flow for gas exchange.

Anatomical Dead Space

Air in the conducting airways that does not reach the alveoli; approximately 150 mL in adults.

Zone 1

Region of the lungs where ventilation exceeds perfusion; upper third of lungs.

Zone 2

Middle third of lungs where ventilation and perfusion are well matched.

Zone 3

Lower third of lungs; best perfused area due to gravity, where perfusion exceeds ventilation.

V/Q Ratio

The ratio of ventilation to perfusion; a measure of efficiency in gas exchange.