Pulmonary Function Flashcards

Flashcards about Pulmonary Function, Alveoli, and Regulation of Ventilation

Alveoli

Minute balloon-like structures at the end of the terminal bronchioles and alveolar ducts.

Alveolar Septa

Extremely thin layers of tissue that form the walls between neighbouring alveoli.

Alveolar Sacs

Clusters of alveoli open into spaces, giving the appearance of tiny bunches of grapes.

Pores of Kohn

Holes in the walls of some alveoli which allow communication between adjoining alveoli or alveolar sacs.

Gas-blood barrier

The gap between the alveolar space and the pulmonary circulation, which must be extremely thin to allow rapid gaseous exchange.

Diffusing capacity

The volume of a gas that will diffuse through the respiratory membrane each minute for a partial pressure difference of 1 mm Hg.

Inspiratory Center

Part of the medulla that initiates inspiration via activation of the inspiratory muscles.

Expiratory Center

Acts to limit and then inhibit the inspiratory center, thereby producing a passive expiration.

Eupnea

Normal, quiet breathing at rest, with an average respiratory rate (RR) of 12-14 cycles/minute.

Dorsal Respiratory Group

Generates inspiratory action potentials and is responsible for the basic rhythm of respiration.

Pneumotaxic Center

Located dorsally in the superior portion of the pons, helps control the rate and pattern of breathing by transmitting inhibitory signals to the dorsal respiratory group.

Ventral Respiratory Group

Located in the ventrolateral part of the medulla, can cause either expiration or inspiration, depending on which neurons in the group are stimulated.

Respiratory Acidosis

A state in which there is usually a failure of ventilation and an accumulation of carbon dioxide.

Hypercapnia

Elevated arterial PCO2.

Acidosis

Metabolic disorder involving the gain of H+/loss of HCO3- leading to a decrease in pH levels in the arterial blood profile.

Alkalosis

Metabolic disorder involving the loss of H+/gain of HCO3- leading to a increase in pH levels in the arterial blood profile.