Respiratory Physiology Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the formula for calculating Minute Ventilation?

MV = Frequency x Alveolar Volume

MV = Tidal Volume x Respiratory Rate (correct)

MV = Thoracic Pump x Tidal Volume

MV = Air Conduit x Frequency

Which of the following elements is NOT necessary for respiration to commence?

Gas exchange in the lungs (correct)

Atmospheric/ambient air

Ventilatory organs/organs of respiration

Thoracic pump

How does a decrease in Minute Ventilation affect the body?

It has no impact on gas exchange.

It enhances CO2 elimination.

It negatively affects CO2 elimination. (correct)

It increases oxygen absorption.

Which structure is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the efficiency of the thoracic pump have on respiration?

It influences the effectiveness of respiratory rate. Signup and view all the answers

What does a ratio of less than 70% indicate regarding exhalation capacity?

Difficulty exhaling due to obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common name for the average expiratory flow rate calculated during the midsection of the vital capacity?

Mid-maximal expiratory flow (MMEF) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measurements is automatically calculated by modern spirometers?

Forced expiratory flow from 25%-75% of VC (FEF25-75) Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory condition is primarily indicated by difficulty in exhalation and a ratio less than 70%?

Obstructive pulmonary disease Signup and view all the answers

In evaluating lung function, what does FEF25-75 specifically measure?

The mid-range airflow during exhalation from 25% to 75% of VC Signup and view all the answers

What does a lower than normal Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) reading indicate?

Restricted breathing. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the significance of Residual Volume (RV)?

It is the volume remaining in the lungs after exhaling completely. Signup and view all the answers

What does a low Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) reading typically indicate?

Significant airway obstruction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)?

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after normal expiration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Vital Capacity (VC) in respiratory physiology?

It reflects the maximum volume of gas exchanged in each breath. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is least impacted by changes in airway resistance?

Residual Volume (RV). Signup and view all the answers

How does a cold potentially affect spirometry results?

It may obstruct the airways and affect readings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding anatomical dead space?

It is the volume of air which does not get involved in gas exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pressure-volume curve in restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis?

It shifts to the right, indicating decreased compliance. Signup and view all the answers

In obstructive lung diseases, what change occurs in pleural pressure during exhalation?

Pleural pressure increases due to elevated resistive work. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the trapezoidal area OAECD in the respiratory cycle?

It indicates total mechanical workload for normal lungs. Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals with restrictive lung disease generally adapt their breathing patterns?

They adopt more shallow and rapid breathing patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What additional work is required for individuals with obstructive lung disease during exhalation?

They have an increased expiratory workload due to increased resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an increase in tidal volume have on work of breathing?

It increases elastic work required to overcome compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the stored elastic energy represented by the area ABCF in the respiratory cycle?

The energy used for exhalation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the breathing patterns of patients with obstructive lung disease?

They breathe more slowly and deeply to maintain airflow. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the partial pressures of O2 and N2 as blood reaches the alveoli during ventilation?

They remain unchanged. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the compression of alveolar capillaries at the end of inspiration have on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)?

It increases PVR except in larger vessels. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the total pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at functional residual capacity (FRC)?

Total PVR is lowest at FRC. Signup and view all the answers

How does exhalation affect pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)?

Deflated alveoli apply resistance decreasing PVR. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of alveolar ventilation in relation to carbon dioxide?

It eliminates carbon dioxide from the alveoli. Signup and view all the answers

What condition results from an acute increase in PACO2?

Respiratory acidosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which capillary beds account for approximately 40% of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)?

Capillary beds in the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs in the diameter of pulmonary vessels during the recruitment of normally closed vessels?

The diameter increases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minute Ventilation

Minute ventilation (MV) is calculated as the product of tidal volume (TV) and respiratory rate (RR): MV = TV x RR.
Significant decrease in minute ventilation adversely affects CO2 elimination.
Alterations in tidal volume and frequency can impact minute ventilation.

Elements of Respiration

Four essential elements required for respiration:
- Atmospheric/ambient air
- Ventilatory organs (thoracic pump)
- Air conduit (respiratory tract passages)
- Alveoli (site for gas exchange)

Lung Functions in Spirometry

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after deep inhalation; low FVC indicates restricted breathing.
Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV): The amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled within the first second; lower values indicate obstruction.
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): Max air exhaled after normal expiration; small and typically not significant in normal respiration.
Residual Volume (RV): Air remaining in the respiratory system post-exhalation; does not contribute to maintaining alveolar patency.
Vital Capacity (VC): Maximum volume of gas exchanged during a respiratory cycle; VC ratio < 70% indicates obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cases in Lung Function

Example case: A 26-year-old female with a cough and shortness of breath, history of asthma, presents with respiratory symptoms.
Preference for sitting upright can indicate respiratory distress.

Respiratory Work and Lung Diseases

In restrictive lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, decreased lung compliance leads to increased work of breathing, shifting pressure-volume curves rightward.
In obstructive lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis), elevated airway resistance requires greater pleural pressure for normal inspiratory flows.
Increased tidal volume also escalates work of breathing by demanding more elastic effort.

Inspiratory and Expiratory Patterns

Patients with lung diseases tend to change respiratory patterns to minimize breathing work.
Shallow, rapid breathing is common in restrictive lung conditions, while individuals with obstructive diseases often breathe slowly and deeply.

Alveolar and Arterial Gas Composition

At inspiration's end, alveolar pressure aligns with atmospheric pressure; gas mixture composition alters during breathing.
Alveolar ventilation is vital for effective CO2 elimination from the body.
Acute increases in partial pressure of CO2 (PACO2) can lead to respiratory acidosis; total pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) management is essential during different respiratory phases.

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

Total PVR in the lungs is lowest at FRC, reflecting optimal gas exchange conditions.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential elements of respiration, focusing on tidal volume, frequency, and their impact on minute ventilation. It emphasizes the significance of atmospheric air and the consequences of decreased minute ventilation on CO2 levels in the body.