Anatomy and Physiology Review

Perfusion

Adequate blood flow to body cells for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products.

Minute volume

The volume of air breathed in one minute; calculated as Tidal volume × Rate.

Perfusion

Adequate blood flow to body cells for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products.

Minute volume

The volume of air breathed in one minute; calculated as Tidal volume × Rate.

Alveolar ventilation

The amount of air that reaches the alveoli during ventilation.

External respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from air to blood at the level of the alveoli.

Internal respiration

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from blood to the cells of the body.

Upper airway obstruction

An obstruction in the upper airway caused by factors such as decreased mental status, foreign bodies, or swelling.

Bronchoconstriction

Contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchi leading to narrowing of the airways and obstructed airflow.

Respiratory decompensation

Failure of the respiratory muscles due to exceeding the ability to supply oxygen, often related to exhaustion.

Stridor

A high-pitched sound produced by restricted airflow in the upper airway.

Pulse oximetry

A non-invasive method to measure the oxygen saturation of blood.

Capnography

The monitoring of the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air.

Jaw-thrust maneuver

An airway maneuver that moves the mandible forward to clear soft tissue obstruction, especially in trauma patients.

Oral pharyngeal airways

An airway device used to maintain an open airway in unconscious patients without a gag reflex.

Nasal pharyngeal airways

An airway device used in patients with an intact gag reflex to maintain airway patency.

Recovery position

A lateral recumbent position designed to prevent airway obstruction by allowing fluids to drain.

Portable suction

A suction device capable of removing obstructions from the airway, powered by a battery or other portable means.