Respiratory Volumes and Capacities Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What role does the phrenic nerve play in the respiratory process?

It transports oxygen to the lungs.

It controls the heartbeat during respiration.

It helps in the exchange of gases in alveoli.

It stimulates the contraction of diaphragm muscle fibers. (correct)

The diaphragm moves upward during inhalation, decreasing the size of the thoracic cavity.

False

What is the tidal volume at rest?

500 ml

During expiration, the elastic tissues of the lungs ______ to expel air.

recoil Signup and view all the answers

Match the following respiratory terms with their definitions:

Respiratory rate = Number of breaths taken each minute Tidal volume = Volume of air moved during inhalation and exhalation Respiratory minute volume = Amount of new air brought into the lungs per minute Intra-alveolar pressure = Pressure inside the alveoli during breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of residual volume?

To prevent lung collapse Signup and view all the answers

Vital capacity is the total amount of air in the lungs after maximum inhalation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the sum of inspiratory reserve volume and tidal volume called?

Inspiratory capacity Signup and view all the answers

The _____ volume is the amount of air that can be expelled after a normal resting respiratory cycle.

expiratory reserve Signup and view all the answers

Match the ventilation patterns with their descriptions:

Eupnea = Normal quiet breathing Hyperventilation = Increased respiratory rate without increased metabolism Dyspnea = Difficulty breathing Apnea = Cessation of breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ventilation is described as rapid breathing with increased depth?

Tachypnea Signup and view all the answers

Hyperpnea occurs during states of normal metabolism and rest.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the total amount of air in the lungs after normal exhalation referred to as?

Functional residual capacity Signup and view all the answers

Which pulmonary function test is most useful for diagnosing obstructive lung diseases?

Forced expiratory volume (FEV) Signup and view all the answers

The forced vital capacity (FVC) is typically reduced in restrictive lung diseases.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal FEV1/FVC ratio that indicates healthy lung function?

exceeds 75% Signup and view all the answers

The device used to measure the maximum rate of air movement during forced exhalation is called a ______.

peak-flow meter Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding oxygen in the body?

Oxygen can produce harmful superoxide anion radicals. Signup and view all the answers

A decrease in peak expiratory flow (PEF) indicates improved lung function.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one machine used for measuring lung function.

spirometer Signup and view all the answers

Match the following lung function measurements with their descriptions:

FVC = Reduced in restrictive lung diseases FEV = Critical for assessing airway obstruction PEF = Maximum rate of air movement during exhalation Spirometer = Device for measuring vital capacity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Resting Tidal Volume

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath at rest.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal breath.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal breath.

Residual Volume

The amount of air that remains in the lungs after a maximal exhalation, typically around 1100-1200 ml.

Minimal Volume

The amount of air that would remain in the lungs if they were completely collapsed.

Inspiratory Capacity

The total amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal exhalation (IRV + Tidal Volume).

Vital Capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during a respiratory cycle (ERV + Tidal Volume + IRV), ranging from 3400-4800 ml.

Functional Residual Capacity

The amount of air that remains in the lungs after a normal exhalation (ERV + Residual Volume).

Types and Patterns of Ventilation

Eupnea: Normal, quiet breathing.
Hyperpnea: Increased respiratory rate and/or volume in response to increased metabolism, like during exercise.
Hyperventilation: Increased respiratory rate and/or volume without increased metabolism, like emotional hyperventilation.
Hypoventilation: Decreased alveolar ventilation, often due to shallow breathing, asthma, or restrictive lung disease.
Tachypnea: Rapid breathing, usually with increased respiratory rate and depth, like panting.
Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing, often described as "air hunger", caused by various pathologies or hard exercise.
Apnea: Cessation of breathing, like during voluntary breath-holding, or due to depression of central nervous system control centers.

Diffusion of Gases at the Respiratory Membrane

Inspiration:
- Nerve impulses travel to the diaphragm causing it to contract.
- The diaphragm moves downwards, expanding the thoracic cavity.
- External intercostal muscles may contract, raising the ribs and further increasing the size of the thoracic cavity.
- Intra-alveolar pressure decreases.
- Atmospheric pressure forces air into the respiratory tract through the air passages.
- The lungs fill with air.
Expiration:
- The diaphragm and external respiratory muscles relax.
- Elastic tissues of the lungs and thoracic cage recoil, and surface tension collapses alveolar walls.
- Tissues recoiling around the lungs increase intraalveolar pressure.
- Air is squeezed out of the lungs.