Lung resistances

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Questions and Answers

Which disorder is caused by the harmful effects of excess oxygen on surfactant function?

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Oxygen toxicity (correct)

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS)

Prematurity

Compliance refers to:

The ability of the lungs to return to their original shape

The change in pressure per unit change in volume

How easily the lungs can expand or be stretched (correct)

The change in volume per unit change in pressure

Compliance can be calculated as:

Change in pressure / Change in volume

Change in volume / Change in pressure (correct)

The ability of the lungs to return to their original shape

The change in pressure per unit change in volume

Elastance refers to:

The ability of the lungs to return to their original shape Signup and view all the answers

Elastance affects:

How quickly air moves in and out of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Increased elastance means:

The lungs are less stretchy and take longer to return to their original shape Signup and view all the answers

Elastance can be calculated as:

Change in pressure / Change in volume Signup and view all the answers

The static resistance of the chest wall refers to its:

Stiffness Signup and view all the answers

The force of movement of the chest wall is opposite to that of the:

Lungs Signup and view all the answers

The chest wall has a tendency to expand but is held by:

Negative pleural pressure Signup and view all the answers

The unopposed expansion of the chest wall reaches what percentage of the total lung capacity?

70% Signup and view all the answers

When the thorax is intact and in equilibrium with the lungs, its resting level corresponds to:

Functional residual capacity (FRC) Signup and view all the answers

What can cause decreased flexibility/expansion of the chest wall?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result in paralysis, strain, or pain of the chest wall?

Chest trauma Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to loss of elasticity in the chest wall?

Burns Signup and view all the answers

What can block the smaller respiratory passages with mucus or fluid?

Blockage of the smaller respiratory passages with mucus or fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can result in raised abdominal pressure?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which primary factors contributes more to the collapse of the lungs?

Both a) and b) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary factors contributing to the collapse of the lungs? (a) Elastin and collagen in lung tissues (b) Surface tensionWhat is the role of elastin and collagen in lung tissues in the collapse of the lungs?

They interweave in the lung parenchyma. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes approximately 1/3 of the resistance to lung collapse?

Elastin and collagen in lung tisues Signup and view all the answers

What effect does surface tension have on the stability of small alveoli?

It increases their tendency to collapse and empty air into larger alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

How does a decrease in radius affect the pressure required to open the alveoli?

It increases the pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes approximately 2/3 of the resistance to lung collapse?

Surface tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of surfactant?

Decreases surface tension and prevents alveoli from collapsing Signup and view all the answers

How does surfactant benefit the lungs?

Reduces transmural pressure needed to expand the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of surfactant?

Increases transmural pressure. Signup and view all the answers

How does surfactant prevent alveoli from collapsing?

Crowding surfactant molecules into smaller alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What additional structures aid surfactant in maintaining alveolar stability?

Cartilage rings within the alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is characterized by a decrease in surfactant production and can occur in premature infants?

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS) Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is associated with a deficiency or dysfunction of surfactant in adults?

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Signup and view all the answers

Why is elastance important in the respiratory system?

It affects how quickly air moves in and out of the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory System

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is caused by the harmful effects of excess oxygen on surfactant function.

Compliance and Elastance

Compliance refers to the degree to which the lungs and chest wall can expand.
Compliance can be calculated as ΔV / ΔP.
Elastance refers to the tendency of the lungs and chest wall to return to their original shape.
Elastance affects the lungs' ability to expand and contract.
Increased elastance means the lungs are stiffer and harder to expand.
Elastance can be calculated as ΔP / ΔV.

Chest Wall Mechanics

The static resistance of the chest wall refers to its tendency to expand outward.
The force of movement of the chest wall is opposite to that of the lungs.
The chest wall has a tendency to expand but is held by the surrounding tissues and bones.
The unopposed expansion of the chest wall reaches 40% of the total lung capacity.
When the thorax is intact and in equilibrium with the lungs, its resting level corresponds to the functional residual capacity (FRC).

Factors Affecting Chest Wall Movement

Decreased flexibility/expansion of the chest wall can be caused by conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.
Paralysis, strain, or pain of the chest wall can be caused by conditions such as neuropathy or thoracic injury.
Loss of elasticity in the chest wall can be caused by aging or disease.

Respiratory Passages and Airways

Mucus or fluid can block the smaller respiratory passages.
Raised abdominal pressure can cause decreased lung expansion.

Lung Collapse

The primary factors contributing to the collapse of the lungs are surface tension and elastin and collagen in lung tissues.
Elastin and collagen in lung tissues contribute approximately 1/3 of the resistance to lung collapse.
Surface tension contributes approximately 2/3 of the resistance to lung collapse.
Surface tension has a destabilizing effect on small alveoli, making them more prone to collapse.
A decrease in radius makes it harder to open the alveoli, as the pressure required to open them increases.

Surfactant

Surfactant is a lipid-protein complex that reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing collapse.
Surfactant benefits the lungs by allowing for easier expansion and reducing the work of breathing.
One benefit of surfactant is that it helps maintain alveolar stability.
Surfactant prevents alveoli from collapsing by reducing surface tension.
Additional structures that aid surfactant in maintaining alveolar stability include the fibrous network of the lungs.

Disorders

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is characterized by a decrease in surfactant production and can occur in premature infants.
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is associated with a deficiency or dysfunction of surfactant in adults.

Elastance

Elastance is important in the respiratory system because it affects the lungs' ability to expand and contract.

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Description

Test Your Knowledge on Respiratory System Compliance - Understand the significance of lung expansion and pressure changes in breathing with this quiz. Brush up on the mathematical formula for compliance and learn how reduced compliance affects inhalation and exhalation efforts. Keywords: compliance, lungs, respiratory system, pressure, volume.