Exam

Pulmonary Ventilation

The movement of air into and out of the lungs, including inspiration and expiration.

External Respiration

Gas exchange that occurs between the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries, where oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli.

Transport of Respiratory Gases

The process by which blood transports oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.

Internal Respiration

Gas exchange that occurs between systemic capillaries and body tissues, where oxygen leaves the blood and carbon dioxide enters.

Upper Respiratory Tract

Anatomical region including the nose, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx that primarily warms, humidifies, and filters air.

Lower Respiratory Tract

Anatomical region including the larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli that conducts air and facilitates gas exchange.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that moves air but does not participate in gas exchange, including structures like the trachea and bronchi.

Respiratory Zone

The part of the respiratory system where gas exchange occurs, including the alveoli.

Pathway of Air from Nostril to Alveoli

The route air follows to reach the alveoli: Nostrils → Nasal cavity → Nasopharynx → Oropharynx → Laryngopharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli.

Pleurae

Thin, double-layered serous membranes surrounding the lungs, consisting of parietal and visceral pleura.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal quiet breathing, typically around 500 mL.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air that can be moved, calculated as VC = TV + IRV + ERV.

Boyle’s Law

States that as volume increases, pressure decreases and vice versa, explaining the mechanics of breathing.

Hypercapnia

Increased CO₂ levels in the blood, often leading to deeper and faster breathing.

Hypoxic Drive

A mechanism in chronic pulmonary diseases where low oxygen levels stimulate breathing instead of CO₂ levels.

Bohr Effect

The physiological phenomenon where increased acidity leads to a decrease in hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

Hemoglobin Saturation

The percentage of oxygen-binding sites on hemoglobin that are occupied by oxygen, indicating how much oxygen is carried.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Condition resulting from CO binding to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen, preventing oxygen transport.

Common Cold Symptoms

Typical signs include sneezing, runny nose, and mild sore throat, primarily caused by viral infections.

Asthma Symptoms

Dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, due to airway inflammation and bronchospasm.

Tuberculosis Symptoms

Fever, night sweats, weight loss, severe cough, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Lung Cancer Types

Includes squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell carcinoma, with high mortality rates.

Incentive Spirometer

Device used to encourage deep breathing after surgery and help prevent atelectasis.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The extra air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The extra air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal expiration.

Residual Volume (RV)

The air remaining in the lungs after the strongest possible expiration to prevent lung collapse.

Anatomical Dead Space

Volume of air in the conducting zone where no gas exchange occurs, typically around 150 mL.