Resp a+p

• What happens to the thorax during inhalation?

  The thorax expands and diaphragm contracts
• What occurs during exhalation?

  The thorax shrinks and diaphragm relaxes
• How does Boyle's Law relate to breathing?

  Volume of gas is inversely proportional to pressure
• What is lung compliance?

  The ability of the lungs to stretch and expand
• How does oxygen enter the body?

  Through the mouth or nose
• What is the function of mucosal membranes in the respiratory system?

  To trap pathogens and dust we inhale
• What structure keeps the trachea open?

  Cartilage
• What happens to cartilage as you move into the bronchi tree?

  Cartilage decreases and smooth muscle increases
• What are alveoli?

  Air sacs where gas exchange occurs
• Why are alveoli optimal for gas exchange?

  They are 1 cell thick and have a large surface area
• How does oxygen diffuse in the alveoli?

  From high concentration to low concentration
• What is formed when oxygen binds with hemoglobin?

  Oxyhemoglobin
• What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

  It lowers surface tension to prevent collapse
• What is surfactant made of?

  Phospholipid and protein
• What does anatomical dead space refer to?

  Air that does not participate in gas exchange
• What increases physiological dead space?

  Obstructive diseases like emphysema
• What is airway resistance?

  The change in pressure needed for gas flow
• What factors can increase airway resistance?

  Narrowing or mucus in airways
• What is the normal Vd/Vt ratio?

  0.3
• What does a peak flow measurement indicate?

  How quickly and strongly air is blown out
• What is a normal peak flow range?

  400-700
• What does diurnal variation in peak flow readings indicate?

  Variation in symptoms from day to night
• What are the key components of spirometry?

  • Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
  • Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1)
  • FEV1/FVC ratio
  • Residual volume
• What is the process of gas exchange in the alveoli?

  1. Alveoli are surrounded by capillaries
  2. O2 diffuses from alveoli to blood
  3. CO2 diffuses from blood to alveoli
  4. Fick's law governs the diffusion process
• What is the role of surfactant in the alveoli?

  • Lowers surface tension
  • Prevents alveolar collapse
  • Forms a monolayer separating air and water
• What are the differences between anatomical and physiological dead space?

  • Anatomical dead space: air not involved in gas exchange
  • Physiological dead space: anatomical + alveolar dead space
• What factors contribute to airway resistance?

  • Narrowing of airways
  • Mucus accumulation
  • Inflammation (e.g., asthma)
• How is asthma monitored using peak flow diaries?

  • Record daily peak flow readings
  • Take readings before and after medication
  • Note diurnal variation in symptoms