Respiratory Physiology

This set of flashcards covers important terms and concepts related to Respiratory Physiology, including pressures in the thoracic cavity, pulmonary volumes and capacities, gas exchange, lung diseases, and factors influencing ventilation.

Atmospheric Pressure

The pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere, equivalent to 760 mm Hg at sea level.

Intrapulmonary Pressure (Ppul)

The pressure of air in the lungs that rises during expiration and decreases during inspiration to equal atmospheric pressure.

Intrapleural Pressure (Pip)

The pressure within the pleural cavity, which is slightly less than intrapulmonary pressure to keep the lungs inflated.

Boyle's Law

A gas law stating that for a given mass of gas at constant temperature, the volume is inversely proportional to the pressure.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air normally inhaled or exhaled at rest, approximately 500 ml.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The additional amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal inhalation, about 3100 ml.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhalation, approximately 1200 ml.

Residual Volume (RV)

The amount of air that remains in the lungs after a forced expiration, about 1200 ml.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation, calculated as IRV + TV + ERV.

Atelectasis

A condition where part of the lung collapses, preventing full expansion of the alveoli.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural space, leading to the collapse of the lung due to equalized intrapleural pressure.

Compliance

The ability of the lungs to stretch and expand; it decreases with age or lung damage.

Gas Exchange

The process of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanging between the blood and tissues or air in the lungs.

Chemoreceptors

Sensors in the body that detect changes in blood gas levels (O2, CO2) and pH, influencing respiratory rate.

Hypercapnia

An increase in carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which can stimulate increased respiration.

Hypoxemia

A deficiency of oxygen in the blood that can lead to tissue hypoxia.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow that interferes with normal breathing.

Asthma

A condition marked by temporary bronchospasm that obstructs airflow in already inflamed airways.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

An infectious disease that damages lung tissue and reduces respiratory function over time.

Lung Cancer

A common cancer type often caused by smoking, leading to high mortality rates associated with respiratory illness.

Surfactant

A substance secreted in the alveoli that reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse.