Unit 5 - 3.3 Respiratory Ventilation Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts and mechanics related to the respiratory system, ventilation, and the structures involved in breathing.

What are the two broad categories of respiration?

External respiration, which regulates O2 and CO2 levels in the blood, and internal respiration, which is related to energy production in mitochondria.

What is the role of the intrapleural space in the respiratory system?

It creates a linkage between the lungs and the thoracic cage and contains pleural fluid that acts as a lubricant.

Describe the conducting zone of the lungs. What is its function?

The conducting zone does not contain alveoli; it is responsible for transporting air to the respiratory zone without participating in gas exchange.

What occurs during inhalation?

During inhalation, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, leading to a drop in intrapleural and alveolar pressure, allowing air to flow into the lungs.

What is the significance of Type II alveolar cells?

Type II alveolar cells secrete surfactant, which reduces surface tension, helping facilitate lung expansion.

What happens to the intrapleural pressure during expiration?

During passive expiration, intrapleural pressure increases, which pushes air out of the lungs.

What is Boyle's Law in relation to lung mechanics?

Boyle's Law states that at constant temperature, the pressure of a gas decreases as the volume increases, which is relatable to the mechanics of breathing.

What are the functions of pleural fluid?

Pleural fluid acts as a lubricant and helps hold the pleural membranes together during respiration.

Define the respiratory zone. What occurs there?

The respiratory zone contains alveoli and is where gas exchange occurs between the air and the blood in the pulmonary capillaries.

How does lung volume change during forced exhalation?

During forced exhalation, lung volume decreases, which causes an increase in intrapleural pressure and expels air from the lungs.