Physiology respiration

15 important questions on Physiology respiration

What is the formula for flow (how the lungs are filled with air)?

F=(Palv-Patm)/R
F = flow
Palv= pressure in alveoli
Patm = pressure in athmosphere
R = resistance

If you look at the formula for flow. What does increase when you have asthma?

R (resistance)

Is the pressure in the pleura negative or positive with respect to the pressure in the chest wall and the intrapulmonary pressure? How can this be explained?

The pressure is negative. This can be explained using the magdeburg hemispheres.
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What is the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)?

The volume that can be inhaled from the level of a normal inspiration.

What is the total lung capacity (TC/TLC)?

The total gas volume in the lungs after maximal inspiration.

What is the vital capacity (VC)?

The maximal decrease in lung volume after maximal inspiration

What is lung compliance? What is the formula?

Lung compliance is a measure of stretchability.
Lung compliance = Δ lung volume / Δ transpulmonary pressure

What is the transpulmonary pressure?

Transpulmonary pressure = alveolar pressure - pleural pressure

What do you know about the lung compliance?

The greater the lung compliance (stretchability) the less energy it takes to increase the lung volume.

What are obstructive lung diseases? Is the compliance higher or lower?

The obstructive lung diseases are grouped as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). There are two:
  • Emphysema: damaged alveoli --> lung take up more space.
  • Chronic bronchitis: lung and airway inflamed

For these patients breathing in is easier, breathing out harder --> compliance higher

What is a restrictive lung disease? Is compliance higher or lower in these diseases?

Fibrosis: scarring in lungs --> lungs become smaller
Breathing in is harder so the compliance is lower.

How is O2 transported in the blood?

Bound to hemoglobin: 98.5%
Dissolved gas in blood: 1.5%

How is CO2 transported in the blood?

CO2 dissolved in the blood: 7%
Bicarbonate: 70%
CO2 bound to hemoglobin: 23%

What are sensors of the regulation of respiration?

Stretch receptors (in smooth muscle cells or airways) and chemoreceptors (CO2, pH, O2)

What is the difference between hypo- and hyperventilation?

Hypoventilation: increased pCO2
  • Acidification of blood
  • Coma
Hyperventilation: decreased pCO2 
  • pH increases
  • Vasoconstriction in brains (dizzy + fainting)

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