Human Physiology Week 10 - Respiratory (Notes)

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What factor primarily stimulates ventilation in response to increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide?

Baroreceptors detecting high blood pressure
Central chemoreceptors sensing hydrogen ions (correct)
Peripheral chemoreceptors detecting decreased oxygen levels
Alveolar capillary membrane inefficiency

How does a pulse oximeter measure hemoglobin saturation?

By assessing the thickness of the skin during oxygen diffusion
Using ultrasound technology to visualize blood flow
By direct measurement of gas pressures in the bloodstream
Through analysis of light wave changes affected by hemoglobin (correct)

Which statement is true regarding carbon monoxide in relation to hemoglobin?

Carbon monoxide is not associated with oxygen saturation issues
The majority of carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, limiting its detection (correct)
Pulse oximeters can detect carbon monoxide levels accurately
It binds less effectively than oxygen, impacting overall oxygen delivery

What might cause inaccurate results from a pulse oximeter?

Darker skin pigmentation impacting light absorption (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the evaluation of a patient with difficulty breathing, which method is least likely to provide relevant information about respiratory function?

X-ray imaging to visualize thoracic spine alignment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What primarily contributes to increased airway resistance in individuals with pulmonary diseases?

Smooth muscle contraction and airway remodeling (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the effect of mucus production on airway resistance?

It increases resistance by limiting airway space. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of cartilage in the airway?

It limits changes in diameter and provides structural support. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism does NOT contribute to smaller than normal bronchioles?

Reduction of smooth muscle activity in airways (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does pulmonary fibrosis affect lung function?

It reduces lung elasticity and requires more effort to breathe. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between airway diameter and resistance?

Larger diameters decrease resistance to airflow. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of corticosteroid drugs in managing airway resistance?

They reduce the production of inflammatory mediators. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would likely cause hemoglobin to release oxygen more readily?

Increased temperature (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does physiological dead space refer to?

Alveoli that do not have blood supply (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can lead to lower PAO2 in the alveoli?

High altitude environment (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does fibrosis have on alveolar gas exchange?

Thickens alveolar walls (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher PvCO2 indicate about venous gas exchange?

Higher concentrations of waste products (A) Signup and view all the answers

In terms of gas exchange, what does 'anatomical dead space' signify?

Volume of air not involved in gas exchange (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does a pulmonary embolism affect gas exchange?

Prevents blood flow to alveoli (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of gas exchange does the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve illustrate?

Binding affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT play a role in the efficiency of oxygen diffusion across the alveolar membrane?

Uniformity of breath depth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in muscles during exercise that affects oxygen delivery?

Higher temperatures and increased carbon dioxide production (B) Signup and view all the answers

Airway Resistance

The difficulty of air moving through the airways.

Bronchoconstriction

Contraction of airway smooth muscles making airways narrower.