Respiratory Physiology Quiz

Questions and Answers

What occurs during external respiration?

CO2 is eliminated from the lungs into the atmosphere

CO2 diffuses from the alveoli to tissues

O2 and CO2 cross the alveolar-capillary membrane (correct)

O2 moves into the bloodstream from tissues

How does internal respiration function?

O2 moves from the bloodstream into tissues while CO2 moves out (correct)

CO2 leaves the lungs to enter the bloodstream

O2 and CO2 are exchanged in the alveolar spaces

O2 moves from tissues into the bloodstream

Which best describes compliance in relation to the lungs?

The ability of tissues to absorb oxygen

The ease of gas diffusion across alveoli

The resistance against airflow in the airways

The change in lung volume corresponding to a change in pressure (correct)

What does resistance in the respiratory system refer to?

The friction opposing movement and gas flow through airways Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the compliance of the lungs?

Elastic forces opposing lung inflation Signup and view all the answers

Which process does not occur during external respiration?

O2 is transported to body tissues Signup and view all the answers

How does changes in airway pressures relate to resistance?

Higher pressure increases resistance in airways Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about compliance and resistance is true?

Both are affected by lung elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor influences airway resistance?

Movement of gas through airways Signup and view all the answers

Why are pressure gradients essential for ventilation?

They enable air flow from high to low pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which law is applicable in describing airway resistance related to length and diameter of a gas?

Poiseuille's Law Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal compliance range for a spontaneously breathing individual?

0.05 L/cmH2O to 0.17 L/cmH2O Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as 'Static Compliance' on a ventilator?

Compliance during an inspiratory pause without flow Signup and view all the answers

What does Transpulmonary Pressure represent?

Pressure difference between the airway and pleural pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Transrespiratory Pressure in positive pressure ventilation?

To provide pressure needed to inflate the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to increase resistance in a mechanically ventilated patient?

Excess mucus in airways Signup and view all the answers

What does Transairway Pressure indicate?

Pressure exerted to overcome resistance in airways Signup and view all the answers

What is generally expected of resistance in mechanically ventilated patients compared to spontaneous breathing individuals?

Higher due to various complicating factors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

External and Internal Respiration

External respiration involves the diffusion of O2 and CO2 across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Internal respiration refers to the exchange of O2 and CO2 at the cellular level, facilitating gas movement between blood and tissues.

Compliance and Resistance

Compliance is the measure of lung distensibility, defined as the change in volume per change in pressure.
Resistance represents frictional forces opposing airflow in organs and gas movement in airways, correlating with airway and intrapulmonary pressure.

Factors Affecting Compliance and Resistance

Compliance is affected by elastic forces that oppose lung inflation.
Resistance can be increased by factors such as obesity, fibrotic diseases, bronchospasm, and airway mucus.

Importance of Pressure Gradients

Pressure gradients are essential for ventilation, driving gas flow from higher to lower pressure areas, enabling effective air movement in and out of the lungs.

Airway Resistance and Poiseuille's Law

Airway resistance in relation to gas length, diameter, and viscosity is described by Poiseuille's Law, which helps understand airflow dynamics.

Normal Values of Compliance and Resistance

Normal compliance for spontaneous breathing ranges from 0.05 L/cmH2O to 0.17 L/cmH2O.
On mechanical ventilation, compliance normal values range between 35-50 cmH2O, and resistance is typically higher due to various pulmonary factors.

Static Compliance

"Static Compliance" refers to compliance measurement on a ventilator during an inspiratory pause with no airflow.

Pressure Definitions in Ventilation

Transairway Pressure: Difference between airway and intrapulmonary pressure, indicating airflow resistance.
Transpulmonary Pressure: Difference between intrapulmonary and pleural pressure, representing alveolar distending pressure.
Transthoracic Pressure: Difference between intrapulmonary pressure and body surface area, necessary for lung and chest wall expansion.
Transrespiratory Pressure: Difference between airway pressure and body surface area pressure, indicating the pressure needed for positive pressure ventilation to inflate the lungs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on external and internal respiration, as well as factors affecting lung compliance and resistance. This quiz will cover the essential principles of gas exchange and the importance of pressure gradients in respiratory physiology.