Respiratory System and Gas Exchange

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture about the respiratory system, focusing on gas exchange, lung structure, and physiological mechanisms.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Partial Pressure Gradient

The difference in partial pressure of a gas in two areas, driving the movement of the gas.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to expand and contract; influenced by the elasticity of lung tissue.

Emphysema

A respiratory disease characterized by the breakdown of alveolar walls, reducing the surface area for gas exchange.

Fibrosis

The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, which can affect lung function.

Mismatched Ventilation-Perfusion

When the air getting to the alveoli does not match the blood flow reaching the alveoli, leading to inefficient gas exchange.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; can also bind carbon dioxide.

Bicarbonate Ion

An important component in the blood's buffering system that helps maintain pH balance.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid.

Chloride Shift

The exchange of bicarbonate ions out of red blood cells and chloride ions into red blood cells to maintain electrochemical balance.

Oxyhemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to oxygen.

Deoxygenated Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin with no oxygen bound.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Anemic Hypoxia

Hypoxia caused by inadequate hemoglobin levels.

Ischemic Hypoxia

Hypoxia due to reduced blood flow.

Hypoxemic Hypoxia

Hypoxia caused by inadequate ventilation.

Carbaminohemoglobin

Hemoglobin bound to carbon dioxide.

Haldane Effect

The property of hemoglobin that allows it to carry more carbon dioxide when oxygen levels are low.