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What are the two main processes included in respiration?
What are the two main processes included in respiration?
The respiratory centers in the brainstem only respond to voluntary actions.
The respiratory centers in the brainstem only respond to voluntary actions.
False
What role do chemoreceptors play in breathing control?
What role do chemoreceptors play in breathing control?
They monitor levels of CO2 and pH to regulate the rate of breathing.
The respiratory pacemaker, located in the medulla, takes over if you try to hold your breath and subsequently _____ out.
The respiratory pacemaker, located in the medulla, takes over if you try to hold your breath and subsequently _____ out.
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Match the following components with their functions:
Match the following components with their functions:
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What happens to the breathing rate when there is an increase in CO2 and acidity?
What happens to the breathing rate when there is an increase in CO2 and acidity?
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Haemoglobin has two alpha and two beta subunits.
Haemoglobin has two alpha and two beta subunits.
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What is the primary gas exchange process in the lungs?
What is the primary gas exchange process in the lungs?
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Oxygen is carried in the blood bound to __________.
Oxygen is carried in the blood bound to __________.
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Match the following components with their roles in breathing:
Match the following components with their roles in breathing:
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Why is oxygen essential for living organisms?
Why is oxygen essential for living organisms?
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CO2 is predominantly dissolved in blood rather than carried by haemoglobin.
CO2 is predominantly dissolved in blood rather than carried by haemoglobin.
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What happens to haemoglobin when it combines with oxygen?
What happens to haemoglobin when it combines with oxygen?
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What is the primary measure of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood?
What is the primary measure of the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood?
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Deoxygenated hemoglobin appears red in color.
Deoxygenated hemoglobin appears red in color.
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Name one condition that can obstruct airflow to the alveolus.
Name one condition that can obstruct airflow to the alveolus.
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What does oxygen therapy aim to increase?
What does oxygen therapy aim to increase?
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The primary gas measured in blood gases, which reflects carbon dioxide levels, is __________.
The primary gas measured in blood gases, which reflects carbon dioxide levels, is __________.
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Match the following diseases with their impact on respiration:
Match the following diseases with their impact on respiration:
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Pulse oximetry (SpO2) is a non-invasive method to measure hemoglobin saturation.
Pulse oximetry (SpO2) is a non-invasive method to measure hemoglobin saturation.
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What is one treatment used for bacterial pneumonia?
What is one treatment used for bacterial pneumonia?
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Which device provides a constant and known concentration of inspired oxygen?
Which device provides a constant and known concentration of inspired oxygen?
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Increased mucus production in COPD leads to __________ of conducting airways.
Increased mucus production in COPD leads to __________ of conducting airways.
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What can result from high altitudes?
What can result from high altitudes?
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Arterial blood gas analysis can include measurement of electrolytes.
Arterial blood gas analysis can include measurement of electrolytes.
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What is indicated when there is not enough gas exchange occurring at the alveoli?
What is indicated when there is not enough gas exchange occurring at the alveoli?
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The primary treatment approach for low oxygen levels includes providing __________ therapy.
The primary treatment approach for low oxygen levels includes providing __________ therapy.
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Name a condition that causes chronic alveolar thickening.
Name a condition that causes chronic alveolar thickening.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Breathing
- Respiration is a two-part process:
- External respiration: absorption of oxygen (O2) and removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the entire body.
- Internal respiration: cells' utilization of O2, CO2 production, and gaseous exchange between cells and their fluid.
- Respiration means different things to different people, including:
- Utilization of oxygen by cells to produce energy.
- The act of breathing.
Brain: How Breathing is Controlled
- The respiratory centers in the brain stem are influenced by chemoreceptors.
- Chemical sensors in the brain stem and peripheral body detect changes in CO2 and pH levels to regulate breathing.
- Increased CO2 and acidity lead to a higher breathing rate to eliminate excess CO2 and restore optimal levels.
Spontaneous Respiration
- Spontaneous respiration is controlled by the respiratory pacemaker in the medulla.
Voluntary Actions
- Voluntary actions, such as speeding up breathing, can be overridden by the respiratory pacemaker, which takes over breathing control.
Ventilation/Perfusion
- Adequate ventilation and perfusion are necessary for pulmonary gas exchange.
- Gas exchange happens via diffusion across the alveolar membrane.
- The diagram illustrates the inspiration of O2 and the exhalation of CO2 in the lungs.
Haemoglobin
- Haemoglobin is a tetramer with two alpha and two beta subunits.
- Each subunit contains a heme group with a central iron atom that binds oxygen.
- Oxygen bonding to hemoglobin alters its shape and charge.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-).
Summary of Breathing
- Breathing is important for adequate oxygenation of tissues.
- The control of breathing is both voluntary and involuntary.
- Oxygen is transported in the blood bound to hemoglobin.
- Carbon dioxide is mostly dissolved in the blood.
- Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissues.
Why Oxygen is Needed
- Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration.
- Aerobic respiration is carried out through glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, with ATP production as a result.
Adequate Oxygenation
- Adequate oxygenation requires a sufficient supply of oxygen, proper lung function , heart function, and the role of hemoglobin.
Measuring Oxygen Levels
- Hemoglobin saturation is an easy indicator of oxygen content and is an accurate measure of this in normal conditions.
- Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are more involved and provide partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) for evaluation.
- Pulse oximetry (SpO2) estimates oxygen saturation using absorption spectroscopy.
Blood Gas Measurements
- Blood gas measurements provide information about PaO2, PaCO2, pH, and bicarbonate.
- Other analyses might measure electrolytes or different forms of hemoglobin (such as carboxyhemoglobin).
Normal Blood Gas Values
- Normal values for blood gases, including H+, PO2, PCO2, HCO3-, and base excess (BE) are detailed for respiratory evaluation.
Diseases Causing Breathing Defects
- Various diseases and conditions can lead to impaired gas exchange or hampered blood circulation, including:
- Insufficient oxygen reaching the blood or lungs.
- Reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- COPD.
- Pneumonia.
- Interstitial lung diseases.
Treatment of Low Oxygen Levels
- Treatment focuses primarily on addressing the root cause of low oxygen levels rather than just providing supplemental oxygen.
Oxygen Therapy
- Various methods of oxygen therapy exist, ranging from simple masks to more complex invasive treatments.
- The choice of method depends on the severity of the condition.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of respiration, including the two-part process of external and internal respiration. Learn how the brain controls breathing through the respiratory centers and chemoreceptors, as well as the role of spontaneous and voluntary actions in respiration. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how breathing functions in the body.
