30 - Respiratory Physiology and Regulation

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to respiratory physiology, including the effects of CO2 on pH, ventilation control, and high altitude physiology.

What happens to CO2 levels when you hold your breath while swimming underwater?

CO2 levels increase.

What is the effect on pH when CO2 combines with H2O to form HCO3- and H+?

The pH decreases.

What should you do to bring pH back to normal after swimming underwater?

Breathe faster.

Why is breathing into a paper bag suggested during hyperventilation?

It helps the person rebreathe CO2 to increase their CO2 levels.

What is the effect of hypoventilation on CO2 and pH?

Hypoventilation increases CO2 and decreases pH, causing respiratory acidosis.

What is the relationship between CO2 levels and ventilation rate?

As PCO2 increases, ventilation rate increases almost linearly.

Where are central chemoreceptors located and what do they monitor?

Central chemoreceptors are in the medulla oblongata and pons and monitor changes in blood pH, O2, and CO2 levels.

What primarily drives ventilation in the body?

CO2 is the main driver of ventilation.

What is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning?

CO competes with O2 for binding sites on hemoglobin and has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than O2.

What physiological changes occur at high altitude due to low PO2?

Respiration rate increases (hyperventilation), leading to a decrease in PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis.

What happens to pulmonary arterioles at high altitude?

Pulmonary arterioles vasoconstrict.

What is the consequence of vasoconstriction of pulmonary arterioles at high altitude?

Increased pulmonary hydrostatic pressure, causing pulmonary edema.

What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)?

A condition caused by vasoconstriction resulting in fluid accumulation in the alveolar space.