Mechanics of Breathing

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the mechanics of breathing, lung function, and respiratory physiology.

Respiratory System

System responsible for the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood, including bulk flow of air and pressure gradients.

Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a particular gas in a mixture, important for understanding gas exchange in the lungs.

Boyle's Law

A principle stating that the pressure of a gas is inversely related to its volume, explained by the equation P1V1 = P2V2.

Compliance

The ability of the lung to stretch or expand; it indicates the change in volume from a given pressure.

Elasticity

The ability of the lung to resist expansion; it reflects the elastic recoil of the lung tissue.

Surfactant

A substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse and aiding in gas exchange.

Dead Space

The volume of the conducting zone that does not participate in gas exchange, filled with stale air during respiration.

Ventilation-Perfusion Matching

The process by which blood flow is adjusted to match the ventilation in alveoli, crucial for efficient gas exchange.

External Respiration

The process of gas exchange between the lungs and the blood, specifically the inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide.

Dalton's Law

A law stating that the total pressure of a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each gas.

Pulmonary Ventilation

The total volume of air entering and exiting the lungs within a given time frame, typically expressed as liters per minute.

Tidal Volume (VT)

The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing without extra effort.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The additional volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The additional volume of air that can be exhaled after a normal exhalation.

Residual Volume (RV)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

Intrathoracic Pressure

The pressure within the thoracic cavity that influences lung expansion and air movement.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air enters the pleural cavity, causing lung collapse, typically due to trauma.

Conducting Zone

The part of the respiratory system that includes airways that warm, humidify, and filter air, but does not engage in gas exchange.

Respiratory Zone

Structures in the respiratory system, such as the alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.

Anatomical Dead Space

The volume of the airways that does not participate in gas exchange, primarily found in the conducting zone.

Capillary Beds

Networks of capillaries surrounding alveoli where gas exchange between blood and air takes place.

Ciliated Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue that contains cilia, helping to move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways.

Alveolar Macrophage

A type of immune cell located in the lungs that ingests and destroys foreign materials.