Respiratory System Physiology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is an example of temporary stoppage of ventilation?

  • Pneumonia
  • Choking incident
  • Respiratory arrest from trauma
  • Sleep apnea (correct)

Which muscle is primarily responsible for the lengthening of the thoracic cavity during inspiration at rest?

  • Rectus abdominus
  • Serrati anterior
  • External intercostals
  • Diaphragm (correct)

Which of the following is an indication of dyspnea that a clinician can observe?

  • Accessary muscle breathing (correct)
  • Regular breathing patterns
  • Quiet breathing
  • Calm demeanor

What occurs during expiration at rest?

<p>Elastic recoil of the lungs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During physical activity, which muscle aids in lifting the sternum?

<p>Sternocleidomastoid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of thoracic volume expansion during inspiration?

<p>Decreased lung pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor involved in expiration during physical activity?

<p>Diaphragm contraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a pathologic example of dyspnea?

<p>Individual with cardiovascular disease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the left ventricle is experiencing both increased stroke volume and increased afterload?

<p>It is not an issue in a healthy individual. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of maintained increased intrathoracic pressure during the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>Decreased cardiac output. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do baroreceptors respond to a decrease in blood pressure during prolonged Valsalva maneuver?

<p>They signal for increased heart rate and contractility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition makes the maintained increased external pressure even more problematic for the myocardium?

<p>Atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can a drastic reduction in cardiac output due to prolonged Valsalva maneuver lead to?

<p>Fainting or syncope. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During Phase 2 of the Valsalva maneuver, how is the blood supply to the coronary arteries affected?

<p>Blood supply decreases, worsening existing conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cardiac output when the filling of the vena cava decreases?

<p>Cardiac output decreases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can prolonged compression on the vena cava lead to?

<p>Reduced venous return. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the dorsal respiratory group?

<p>To generate the rhythm of respiration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the ventral respiratory group is accurate?

<p>It assists in heavy ventilation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pneumotaxic center play in respiration?

<p>It controls the rate and depth of breathing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Phase 1 of the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>Increased external pressure compressing the vena cava and increasing right atrial pressure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reflex is initiated due to increased right atrial pressure during Phase 1 of the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>Bainbridge reflex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential problem for individuals with atherosclerosis during the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>Insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory muscle is primarily activated by the dorsal respiratory group?

<p>Diaphragm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does increased intrathoracic pressure have on the blood supply to the myocardium?

<p>It restricts blood supply due to increased external pressure on coronary arteries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the vena cava during Phase 3 of the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>It fills with blood but does not enter the right atrium immediately (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the low venous return during Phase 3 affect cardiac output?

<p>It remains consistent with levels from Phase 2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to blood pressure during Phase 3 of the Valsalva maneuver?

<p>It remains low and consistent with Phase 2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During Phase 4, what effect does normal intrathoracic pressure have on the vena cava?

<p>It allows blood that filled the vena cava in Phase 3 to flow into the right atrium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can potentially happen due to the sudden surge of blood in the coronary arteries during Phase 4?

<p>An increased risk of myocardial infarction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is not part of the cough reflex process?

<p>Inhibition of the vagus nerve (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which consequence could occur in patients after recent thoracic or abdominal surgery during a cough reflex?

<p>Disruption of the surgical repairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible immediate physiological response to the increase in right atrial pressure during Phase 4?

<p>Initiation of the Bainbridge reflex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ventilation in respiratory physiology?

<p>Move air through the airways and alveoli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences the regulation of ventilation?

<p>Carbon dioxide levels in the blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is minute ventilation calculated?

<p>Tidal Volume multiplied by Respiratory Frequency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes an elevated ventilatory rate and depth that meets metabolic demand?

<p>Hyperpnea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does tachypnea typically indicate?

<p>Increased respiratory rate with shallow breaths (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of hyperventilation?

<p>Acid-base imbalance due to excess carbon dioxide loss (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of respiratory physiology is NOT dependent on blood flow through the alveolar capillaries?

<p>Ventilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is tidal volume abbreviated as?

<p>VT (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by a high-pitched inspiratory sound and can be resolved by neuromuscular coordination training?

<p>Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of our resting energy expenditure is typically used for ventilation?

<p>3-5% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During exercise, the energy demand for ventilation increases to what percentage?

<p>12-15% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors complicates ventilation in individuals with pulmonary disease or obesity?

<p>Greater force production needed to move air (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from the long-term overuse of respiratory muscles?

<p>Reduced respiratory muscle function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subregion of the brain is not part of the respiratory center?

<p>Hypothalamus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if respiratory muscles are in 'exercise' mode during physical activity?

<p>Limited ability to increase ventilation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle action is involved in both inspiration and active expiration?

<p>Accessory expiratory muscle activation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure has the greatest amount of cartilage in the respiratory tract?

<p>Trachea (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of breathing does airway resistance typically decrease?

<p>Inspiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of increased airway resistance during an asthma attack?

<p>Muscle contraction (bronchoconstriction) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT associated with airway resistance increase in disease states?

<p>Vasodilation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is responsible for bronchoconstriction?

<p>Acetylcholine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where in the respiratory tract is airflow resistance the greatest?

<p>Bronchioles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor required for effective gas exchange between alveoli and the bloodstream?

<p>Sufficient airflow to the alveoli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased airway resistance affect airflow during expiration?

<p>Airflow decreases as airways compress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During exercise, how does pulmonary blood flow change?

<p>Increases by more than four times (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of sympathetic stimulation on airway resistance?

<p>Lowers airway resistance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does physiological dead space refer to?

<p>Alveoli that are not receiving adequate blood flow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of a pulmonary embolism?

<p>Inadequate perfusion of the alveoli (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT decrease pulmonary vascular resistance during exercise?

<p>Constriction of bronchial airways (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger associated with 'dead space' in the respiratory system?

<p>It can lead to inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs when blood clots form in the pulmonary vessels?

<p>Increased afterload on the right side of the heart (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines anatomical dead space in the respiratory system?

<p>Areas not involved in gas exchange (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which bronchodilators function?

<p>They activate β-adrenergic receptors to induce bronchodilation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of decreased lung compliance?

<p>Reduced efficiency of gas exchange (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is partial pressure defined in relation to blood gases?

<p>It quantifies the amount of gas dissolved in the blood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does FiO2 represent in respiratory physiology?

<p>Fraction of inspired oxygen that can vary clinically (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between atmospheric pressure and the partial pressure of oxygen at sea level?

<p>It is calculated by multiplying atmospheric pressure by the percent of oxygen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can stiff lung tissue have on expiration?

<p>It can necessitate active expiration, requiring more ATP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes decreased lung compliance?

<p>Scar tissue and chronic inflammation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level?

<p>160 mmHg (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate PaO2 value at sea level?

<p>100 mmHg (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can reduce gas exchange in the alveoli?

<p>Presence of fluid or mucus in alveoli (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During exercise, how does PvO2 change?

<p>Decreases as more oxygen is extracted (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason oxygen moves from the alveolus to the blood?

<p>Concentration gradient favors oxygen in alveoli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the PACO2 value indicative of in the alveoli?

<p>Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the alveoli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the concentration gradient for gas exchange at high altitudes?

<p>It decreases due to lower atmospheric PO2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cannot facilitate the gas exchange process in the lungs?

<p>Fluid accumulation in alveoli (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines PvO2 in the systemic venous system?

<p>It is around 40 mmHg at sea level while at rest (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of oxygen is transported bound to hemoglobin in healthy individuals?

<p>97% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In healthy individuals, what is the primary form of carbon dioxide transportation in the blood?

<p>Bicarbonate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical limitation does pulse oximetry have?

<p>It does not determine total hemoglobin levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does skin pigmentation affect pulse oximetry readings?

<p>It may cause readings to appear higher than they actually are (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly increases the ventilatory stimulus?

<p>High levels of carbon dioxide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about pulse oximeter readings in a carbon monoxide poisoning scenario?

<p>It can show normal readings despite low oxygen levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During intense exercise, what percentage of carbon dioxide is typically bound to hemoglobin?

<p>95% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What incorrect assumption can be made from normal pulse oximeter readings in a patient who has lost a lot of blood?

<p>They do not require immediate medical attention (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ventilation

The movement of air through airways and alveoli, driven by pressure differences.

Gas Exchange

Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion between alveoli and bloodstream, requiring good blood flow and hemoglobin.

Gas Transport

Oxygen and carbon dioxide movement in blood and fluids to and from body tissues, reliant on cardiovascular system and hemoglobin.

Tidal Volume (VT)

Volume of air moved with each breath.

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Respiratory Frequency (RR)

Number of breaths per minute.

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Hyperventilation

Increased breathing rate and depth beyond metabolic needs leading to excess CO2 removal.

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Tachypnea

Increased breathing rate, but not necessarily depth.

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Hyperpnea

Increased breathing rate and depth matching metabolic needs (e.g., exercise).

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Stoppage of Ventilation

A cessation of air movement through the airways and alveoli, which can be temporary or permanent.

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Sleep Apnea

A temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep lasting for many seconds, often recurring.

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Respiratory Arrest

A complete and irreversible cessation of breathing due to medical issues like stroke or trauma.

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Dyspnea

The sensation of difficulty breathing.

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Pathologic Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing caused by underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.

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Mechanics of Pulmonary Ventilation

The physical processes involved in air movement into and out of the lungs.

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Diaphragm Contraction

The primary muscle for inspiration at rest, contracting and flattening to increase lung volume.

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Accessory Muscles of Inspiration

Muscles that assist with breathing during exercise or increased respiratory demand.

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Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO)

A condition where vocal cords involuntarily close during physical activity, causing a high-pitched breathing sound (stridor).

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Neuromuscular coordination training

A treatment approach for EILO that aims to improve the voluntary control of vocal cord muscles.

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Somatic muscles & ventilation

Muscle activity involved in breathing requires energy (ATP). This energy demand is increased during exercise.

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Respiratory muscle activation during exercise

Increased breathing rate and depth during exercise require greater effort from respiratory muscles.

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Consequences of increased respiratory muscle activation

Prolonged, intense muscle activity can lead to limitations in exercise tolerance, increased resting energy expenditure, and decreased respiratory muscle function.

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Medulla and respiratory control

The medulla oblongata in the brainstem houses the respiratory center, responsible for regulating breathing patterns.

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Three subregions of the respiratory center

The medulla's respiratory center includes the dorsal respiratory group (DRG), ventral respiratory group (VRG), and pontine respiratory group (PRG).

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Functions of respiratory center subregions

The DRG sets the basic rhythm of breathing, the VRG controls accessory muscle activation, and the PRG fine-tunes breathing patterns.

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Dorsal Respiratory Group

The primary control center for inspiration, responsible for generating the normal rhythm of breathing. It's active during quiet breathing and also during heavy ventilation, working with the diaphragm and external intercostals to increase air intake.

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Ventral Respiratory Group

This group is primarily inactive during normal breathing but becomes crucial during intense ventilation. It assists in inspiration, especially when your body requires more oxygen (e.g., during exercise). It activates accessory muscles like neck and shoulder muscles for deeper breaths.

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Apneustic Center

This center within the pons gradually increases inspiration by stimulating the dorsal respiratory group, leading to a smooth and gradual increase in breath depth. It's responsible for the ‘respiratory ramp’ which gradually increases inspiration.

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Pneumotaxic Center

Located in the pons, this center plays a critical role in regulating the rate and depth of breathing by sending signals to the dorsal respiratory group. It essentially tells the body 'stop inhaling.' It also receives input from the lungs about their expansion.

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Increased Venous Return (Valsalva)

During the initial phase of the Valsalva maneuver, increased intrathoracic pressure compresses the vena cava, squeezing blood into the right atrium, leading to a temporary increase in venous return. This activates the Bainbridge reflex causing an increase in heart rate.

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Decreased Coronary Perfusion (Valsalva)

The Valsalva maneuver also increases pressure on the coronary arteries, temporarily decreasing blood supply to the heart muscle. While this is usually not a problem for healthy individuals, it can be problematic for those with pre-existing coronary artery issues, potentially causing problems with muscle contraction.

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Increased Left Ventricular Afterload (Valsalva)

The increased pressure on the aorta during the Valsalva maneuver creates a greater resistance for the left ventricle to pump blood against, increasing its workload (afterload).

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What is the Bainbridge Reflex?

This reflex, activated by increased pressure in the right atrium, results in increased heart rate. This helps the heart pump out the extra blood that's been pushed into the right atrium due to increased venous return.

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Increased afterload and stroke volume

When the heart has to pump against increased resistance (afterload) and also pumps out more blood per beat (increased stroke volume), it has to work harder.

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Coronary artery blockages and heart workload

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. If they are blocked, the heart muscle might not get enough blood, especially when it's working harder due to increased afterload and stroke volume.

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Cardiac damage and heart workload

A damaged or weakened heart muscle may not be able to pump strongly enough to overcome increased afterload, even with increased stroke volume.

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Valsalva maneuver - Phase 1

A forced exhalation against a closed airway increases pressure in the chest cavity, squeezing blood from the vena cava. This leads to decreased venous return to the heart momentarily.

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Valsalva maneuver - Phase 2

Continued holding of breath maintains the increased chest pressure, making it hard for blood to get back to the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output. This phase is problematic for individuals with heart issues.

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Valsalva maneuver - Phase 3

After releasing the breath-holding, the chest pressure returns to normal, allowing blood to flow back to the heart again.

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Valsalva maneuver and heart health

Individuals with heart conditions should avoid performing Valsalva maneuvers, as the low cardiac output and reduced blood flow to the heart can cause fainting (syncope) or further heart damage.

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Coronary arteries and Valsalva maneuver

The Valsalva maneuver can worsen blood flow to the heart, especially in individuals with narrowed coronary arteries (atherosclerosis).

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Valsalva Maneuver: Phase 3 & Coronary Arteries

Phase 3 sees a decrease in intrathoracic pressure on coronary arteries, allowing for increased blood flow. This could potentially dislodge a plaque or clot, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

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Valsalva Maneuver: Phase 4 - Vena Cava

Intrathoracic pressure returns to normal, allowing the accumulated blood from Phase 3 to enter the right atrium. This increases right atrial pressure, triggering the Bainbridge reflex, and causes a surge of blood to the right ventricle.

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Valsalva Maneuver: Phase 4 - Ventricular Contractility

As blood from the right atrium enters the right ventricle in Phase 4, ventricular contractility increases due to increased blood volume. This leads to a rapid rise in cardiac output and systolic blood pressure, potentially dislodging clots or rupturing aneurysms.

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Valsalva Maneuver: Increased Myocardial Oxygen Demand

The increased ventricular contractility during Phase 4 of the Valsalva maneuver leads to a higher demand for oxygen by the heart muscle, which is met by the increased blood supply to the coronary arteries.

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Cough Reflex: Sensory Receptors

The larynx and carina of the trachea are sensitive to mechanical and chemical stimuli that will trigger a cough.

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Cough Reflex: Nerve Pathway

Afferent nerve impulses travel from the vagus nerve to the medulla, initiating a cough response.

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Cough Reflex: Phases

The cough reflex involves rapid inspiration followed by forceful abdominal and intercostal muscle contraction, while the epiglottis closes and vocal cords shut tightly.

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Cartilage in airways

Cartilage decreases as you move down the airways, with the trachea having the most and bronchioles having none.

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Airway resistance: Where is it greatest?

The bronchioles have the greatest resistance to airflow because they have smooth muscle that can constrict, and lack cartilage for support.

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Inspiration and airway resistance

Airway resistance decreases during inspiration because lung inflation pulls the airways open.

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Expiration and airway resistance

Airway resistance increases during expiration because lung deflation compresses the airways.

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What causes bronchoconstriction?

Bronchoconstriction is caused by the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly by acetylcholine.

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What causes bronchodilation?

Bronchodilation is caused by the sympathetic nervous system, particularly by neuroepinephrine and epinephrine.

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How does inflammation increase airway resistance?

Inflammation increases airway resistance by causing swelling in the airway walls and thickening of the airway lining, narrowing the passage.

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How do blockages increase airway resistance?

Blockages inside the airway lumen, such as mucus, tumors, or foreign objects, restrict airflow and increase resistance.

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Bronchodilators

Medications that widen the airways by activating β-adrenergic receptors, making breathing easier.

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Inhaled Steroids

Anti-inflammatory medications delivered directly to the lungs to reduce swelling and inflammation.

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Decreased Lung Compliance

The lungs become stiffer, requiring more effort to inflate and making breathing difficult.

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Partial Pressure

The pressure exerted by a specific gas in a mixture, directly related to the amount of that gas dissolved in a liquid.

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PO2

Partial pressure of oxygen, usually referring to the oxygen we breathe in.

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FO2

Fraction of oxygen in the air, which remains relatively constant regardless of altitude.

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FiO2

Fraction of oxygen in the air we breathe in, potentially controlled for clinical purposes.

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Increased Metabolic Rate

A higher rate of energy expenditure due to increased effort needed for breathing, especially in conditions like decreased lung compliance.

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Gas Exchange: Direction

Gases move from areas of high partial pressure to areas of low partial pressure. This means oxygen moves from the alveoli into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli.

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Gas Exchange: Factors

Factors affecting gas exchange include: concentration gradients, surface area, and membrane permeability.

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Reduced Concentration Gradient

A smaller difference in partial pressure between the alveoli and blood makes gas exchange less efficient. This can occur at high altitudes or with lung diseases.

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Reduced Surface Area

A smaller surface area for gas exchange reduces the efficiency of the process. This can occur with fluid buildup, blockages, or damage to the alveoli.

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Membrane Permeability

Any factor that impedes the movement of gases across the alveoli-blood barrier will limit gas exchange.

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Oxygen Transport in Blood

Oxygen is carried in the blood primarily bound to hemoglobin (97%) and a smaller amount dissolved in plasma (3%).

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Carbon Dioxide Transport

Most carbon dioxide is transported in the blood as bicarbonate (70%), while a smaller amount binds to hemoglobin (95%) and a very small amount dissolves in plasma.

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Pulse Oximetry Limitations

Pulse oximetry only measures hemoglobin saturation, not total hemoglobin amount. It cannot differentiate between oxygen and other molecules bound to hemoglobin, and can be affected by skin pigmentation.

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High Carbon Dioxide and Ventilation

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia) stimulate increased ventilation, leading to faster and deeper breathing.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen binding. Despite high hemoglobin saturation, pulse oximetry will not detect oxygen deficiency.

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Melanin's Effect on Pulse Oximetry

High melanin levels in skin can interfere with pulse oximetry readings, causing them to appear higher than actual saturation.

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Pulse Oximetry and Low Saturation

At low hemoglobin saturation, melanin's interference becomes more significant, potentially masking true severity.

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Blood Gases' Role in Ventilation

Blood gas levels, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), play a critical role in regulating breathing. High CO2 levels stimulate increased ventilation.

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Increased distance between alveoli and capillary

This occurs due to conditions like fluid buildup in alveoli, fluid in the interstitial space, or scar tissue formation, ultimately making gas exchange less efficient.

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Ventilation-Perfusion Matching

This refers to the optimal balance between air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs, ensuring efficient gas exchange.

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Pulmonary blood flow changes during exercise

During exercise, pulmonary blood flow significantly increases (more than 4x) due to more open capillaries and distended capillaries, resulting in lower vascular resistance.

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Dead space

Air that enters the respiratory system but does not participate in gas exchange. This air is removed first during exhalation, making it harder to expel gases from the alveoli.

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Anatomic dead space

Areas in the respiratory system where gas exchange cannot occur. This includes the nose, trachea, bronchi.

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Physiologic dead space

Alveoli where there is insufficient perfusion to allow for efficient gas exchange.

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Pulmonary embolism

A blood clot in a pulmonary vessel restricts blood flow, leading to inadequate perfusion and inefficient gas exchange. This causes an increase in resistance for the right side of the heart.

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Blood gas transport

The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, via the blood, to and from tissues.

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Study Notes

Respiratory System Physiology

  • Four main components: ventilation, gas exchange, gas transport, and regulation of ventilation
  • Ventilation: Air movement through airways and alveoli, relying on respiratory muscles to create pressure differences
  • Gas Exchange: Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion between alveoli and bloodstream; dependent on gases in alveoli, blood flow, and blood's capacity to carry gases
  • Gas Transport: Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in blood and body fluids to cells; dependent on cardiovascular system and hemoglobin
  • Regulation of Ventilation: Central nervous system (CNS) controls respiration, primarily in response to carbon dioxide levels

Breathing Terms

  • Tidal Volume (VT): Air volume moved with each breath
  • Respiratory Frequency (RR): Number of breaths per minute
  • Minute Ventilation (VE): Product of VT and RR
  • Eupnea: Normal ventilatory rate and depth
  • Hyperpnea: Elevated rate and depth to meet metabolic demand (e.g., exercise)
  • Hyperventilation: Elevated rate and depth exceeding metabolic demand

Mechanics of Ventilation

  • Inspiration: Thoracic volume expansion, decreasing intrathoracic pressure, allowing air to enter alveoli
  • Expiration: Thoracic volume decrease, increasing intrathoracic pressure, forcing air out of alveoli
  • Muscles involved include diaphragm (resting), external intercostals, and accessory muscles (exercise)

Other Respiratory Concepts

  • Tachypnea: Increased respiratory rate without tidal volume increase
  • Apnea: Cessation of ventilation (temporary or permanent)
  • Dyspnea: Subjective experience of difficulty breathing (may be pathologic or non-pathologic)
  • Valsalva Maneuver: Increased intrathoracic pressure; affects venous return, coronary artery perfusion, and blood pressure
  • Cough Reflex: Response to irritation in the airways, leading to forceful expulsion of air
  • Sneeze Reflex: Response to nasal irritation, similar to cough reflex but with nasal pathway initiation

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Related Documents

Respiratory System Study Guide PDF
Respiratory System Study Guide PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the physiology of the respiratory system with this quiz covering key concepts such as ventilation, gas exchange, and gas transport. Understand the role of tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and how the central nervous system regulates breathing. Perfect for students studying human physiology or medicine.

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