Lecture on Gas Exchange and Respiratory Physiology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to gas exchange, respiratory physiology, and the underlying mechanisms important for the understanding of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the human body.

Total Atmospheric Pressure

The overall pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, approximately 760 mmHg at sea level.

Partial Pressure

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

Henry's Law

States that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas in contact with the liquid.

Ventilation-Perfusion Coupling

The matching of alveolar ventilation with pulmonary blood perfusion to ensure optimal gas exchange.

Alveoli

Small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, characterized by a large surface area and thin walls.

Bohr Effect

The phenomenon where increased carbon dioxide and lowered pH enhance the release of oxygen from hemoglobin.

Carbonic Anhydrase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid, facilitating gas exchange.

Chloride Shift

The exchange of bicarbonate (HCO3-) out of red blood cells for chloride (Cl-) to maintain charge balance in the blood.

Hemoglobin Saturation

The degree to which hemoglobin is bound with oxygen, expressed as a percentage.

Venous Reserve

The amount of oxygen still carried by deoxygenated blood in the veins, approximately 75% saturated.