Pulmonary Ventilation Process Overview

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What structures contain clusters of alveoli in the respiratory system?

Alveolar ducts (correct)

Respiratory bronchioles

Terminal bronchioles

Bronchi

Which type of epithelium makes up the alveolar walls in the lungs?

Simple squamous (correct)

Simple cuboidal

Stratified squamous

Simple columnar

Where do the lungs flank the mediastinum in the thoracic cavity?

Below the diaphragm

Between the ribs

Behind the sternum

Superior to the clavicle (correct)

What is the function of surfactant and antimicrobial proteins secreted by alveolar cells?

Preventing lung infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the respiratory bronchioles in the respiratory system?

Gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Where is the root of the lungs located with respect to the mediastinum?

Behind the mediastinum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the lungs?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

Which structure lines the thoracic wall and mediastinum?

Parietal pleura Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pleural fluid?

Provides lubrication and surface tension Signup and view all the answers

During inspiration, which direction do gases flow?

Into the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the pressure in the alveoli known as?

Intrapulmonary pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why is intrapleural pressure always negative?

To keep lungs inflated Signup and view all the answers

What does pulmonary ventilation consist of?

Inspiration and expiration Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the flow of gases during pulmonary ventilation?

Volume changes in the thoracic cavity Signup and view all the answers

During inspiration, what happens when the diaphragm contracts?

It moves up and flattens out Signup and view all the answers

Why does air rush into the lungs during inspiration?

To equalize intrapulmonary and atmospheric pressures Signup and view all the answers

In which direction do gases move during pulmonary ventilation?

From an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the lungs when thoracic cavity volume increases during inspiration?

Lungs are stretched and pulled out with the thoracic cage Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the residual volume in the lungs?

To keep alveoli open Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory capacity is calculated by adding tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume?

Inspiratory capacity (IC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average tidal volume in a typical breath?

~500 ml Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory volume is the amount of air that can be forcibly expelled from the lungs?

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) Signup and view all the answers

What does Vital Capacity (VC) represent?

Maximum amount of air that can be expired after a normal expiration Signup and view all the answers

What does Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) consist of?

Residual volume (RV) + Expiratory reserve volume (ERV) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures state?

The total pressure of a mixture of gases is the sum of the partial pressures of the individual components. Signup and view all the answers

In the lungs, why is the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) high in alveoli?

Because inspiration occurred Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) in pulmonary capillaries?

It is high Signup and view all the answers

How do gases flow across alveolar membranes according to Dalton's Law?

From areas of high to low concentration Signup and view all the answers

What determines the rate at which gases diffuse across alveolar membranes in the lungs?

Partial pressure of the gases Signup and view all the answers

According to Henry's Law, what is the relationship between the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream and the partial pressure of oxygen in alveolar air?

Directly relational Signup and view all the answers