Gas Laws and Their Clinical Relevance

These flashcards cover key concepts, laws, and physiological principles related to gas laws and their relevance in clinical settings.

What does Boyle's Law state?

For a fixed mass of enclosed gas at constant temperature, the product of the pressure (P) and volume (V) remains constant.

What is the formula representing Boyle's Law?

P1V1 = P2V2

What relationship does Boyle's Law imply between pressure and volume?

Pressure and volume are inversely proportional.

Who is Charles' Law named after?

Jacques Charles (1746-1823)

What does Charles' Law state?

For a fixed mass of enclosed gas at constant pressure, the ratio of volume to temperature is constant.

What is the formula representing Charles' Law?

V1/T1 = V2/T2

At what temperature does Charles' Law set an absolute lower limit?

-273°C, known as Absolute Zero.

What law combines Boyle's and Charles' Laws?

The Ideal Gas Law.

What is the Ideal Gas Law equation?

PV = nRT

In the Ideal Gas Law, what does 'R' represent?

Universal Gas Constant.

How does pressure affect gas solubility according to Henry's Law?

Gas solubility increases with an increase in gas pressure.

What does Dalton's Law state?

The total pressure of a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of partial pressures exerted by the gases if they were present separately.

What is Henry's Law?

The concentration or solubility of a gas in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the surface.

What effect does increasing gas pressure have on gas solubility?

Gas solubility increases.

What is the equation for Laplace's Law?

AP = 2T/R

What does Laplace's Law relate?

The tension in a membrane to the pressure difference on either side.

What happens to pleural pressure during inspiration?

Pleural pressure decreases as pleural volume increases.

What is the diameter of an alveolus?

0.2 mm.

How many alveoli are approximately in the lungs?

About 300 million.

What is the total surface area of alveoli in the lungs?

Approximately 80 m².

Which gas law explains why drinks are fizzy?

Henry's Law.

What does the 'P' in Laplace's Law represent?

Pressure difference across the membrane.

How does a reduction in temperature affect pressure according to the Ideal Gas Law?

A reduction in temperature produces a corresponding decrease in pressure.

What is the relationship between tidal volume and pleural pressure during expiration?

Pleural volume decreases and pleural pressure rises.

What is the process of respiration primarily controlled by?

The action of the diaphragm and Boyle's Law.

What does Boyle's law predict about a decrease in volume in a closed gas system?

The pressure will increase.

What is the significance of the term 'AP' in Laplace's equation?

Alveolar pressure.

What factors are directly proportional in Charles' Law?

Temperature and volume.

According to the Ideal Gas Law, what must temperature be expressed in for calculations?

Degrees Kelvin (K).

How does the atmosphere interact with the alveolus during breathing?

The atmosphere rushes in due to the creation of a temporary low-pressure area inside the alveolus.

What physiological changes occur during expiration?

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, leading to a decrease in pleural volume and an increase in pleural pressure.

What can influence asthmatic conditions in relation to gas laws?

Poiseuille’s Law.

What is the formula for calculating pressure difference using Laplace's Law?

DP = Pi - Po.

Under which conditions does gas solubility decrease?

At lower pressure.

How do gas laws relate to respiratory mechanics?

They describe the principles governing pressure changes and gas flow in the lungs.

What does a decrease in alveolar pressure during inhalation lead to?

An increase in the radius of the alveolus.

Which law asserts that each gas in a mixture behaves independently?

Dalton's Law.

What impact does a narrowed airway have on breathing?

It can lead to extreme difficulty in breathing.

How does increased tension in the alveolar wall affect alveolar expansion?

It further increases the radius and allows more air to flow in.

What is the significance of the pleural pressure during respiration?

It helps maintain lung inflation and facilitates inspiration.

Which historical figure is associated with the gas laws outlined in the lecture?

Robert Boyle and Jacques Charles.

What property of gases is primarily discussed in relation to asthma in the lecture?

Viscous properties and changes in flow rates.

How does Boyle's Law contribute to the mechanics of breathing?

It explains the inverse relationship between volume and pressure in the thoracic cavity.

What kind of gas is the Ideal Gas Law most accurately applied to?

Ideal gases, under the assumption of no intermolecular forces.

What does high pressure on liquid dictate regarding gas dissociation?

Gas stays dissolved; low pressure allows gas to escape as bubbles.

What experimental setup demonstrates the principles of Charles' Law?

The Charles Law Fire Syringe.

What happens to the air in a sealed container when the temperature is lowered?

The pressure decreases.

What occurs when the diaphragm contracts during inhalation?

The chest cavity expands and the pleural pressure decreases.

What effect does a collapsed lung have on the alveolar pressure?

It impairs the ability to generate negative pressure for inspiration.

What physical state is reached at Absolute Zero according to gas laws?

Molecular motion stops.

Which two human structures facilitate respiration?

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

What experimental observation can illustrate gas laws effectively?

The 55-gallon steel drum crushing experiment.

How does the surface area of alveoli benefit gas exchange?

It maximizes the area available for diffusion of gases.

What is one practical application of Henry's Law in medicine?

Understanding and treating decompression sickness.

What results from pressure differences within the respiratory system?

Gas movement in and out of the lungs.

What does increased radius in the alveoli do to tension according to Laplace's Law?

It increases the wall tension.

How does a high concentration of CO₂ in the liquid affect solubility?

Increased concentration at higher pressures leads to more gas dissolving.

When is Poiseuille’s Law particularly relevant?

In conditions like asthma where airflow is restricted.

What clinical significance does the respiratory pressure-volume curve hold?

It helps differentiate normal from abnormal respiratory mechanics.

What physiological mechanism is primarily responsible for drawing air into the lungs?

Negative pressure created by the expanding thoracic cavity.