Respiratory Physiology Study Guide

  1. Name the anatomic structures associated with the respiratory system. Classify these structures as to whether they belong to the conducting zone or the respiratory zone.

  2. Describe how the lungs are protected from particulate matter and bacteria that are inspired.

  3. Name the two kinds of cells that constitute the alveolar epithelium.

  4. Name the structures and spaces that comprise the "respiratory membrane".

  5. Describe the structure of the pleural sac and the structures to which it is attached.

  6. Write the equation that describes the bulk flow of air into and out of the respiratory system.

  7. State Boyle's Law and describe how it applies to the generation of negative and positive pressures (with respect to atmospheric) in the alveoli.

  8. Define the transpulmonary pressure and describe how changes in this pressure are made and the effect these changes have on lung volume.

  9. Study Figure 13-12 in the text and use it to describe the sequence of events that occur during inspiration and expiration.

  10. Understand the concept of elastic recoil of the lungs and the relation of this elastic recoil to the compliance of the lung.

  11. Describe the role of surfactant in normal respiratory function. Where is it produced?

  12. List the physical, neural, and chemical factors that determine airway resistance.

  13. List the four discrete lung volumes and the five associated lung capacities.

  14. Write the equations used to calculate minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation.

  15. Understand the concepts of anatomic and physiological dead space.

  16. Write the equation used to calculate the respiratory quotient.

  17. Understand the concept of the partial pressures of gases in a gas mixture.

  18. List the values for the partial pressures of the two major gases in the atmosphere and the four gases in the alveoli.

  19. List the factors that determine the values of alveolar PO2 and PCO2.

  20. Describe the effects of hypoventilation and hyperventilation on alveolar PO2 and PCO2.

  21. Describe what is meant by the term "ventilation-perfusion abnormalities".

  22. What is the physical significance of the "percent saturation" of hemoglobin?

  23. Draw a normal oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. What is the significance of the steep and plateau portions of this curve?

  24. List four factors or conditions that cause the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to "shift". What effect does each of these shifts have on the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin?

  25. List the three forms in which CO2 is carried in the blood.

  26. Describe how (where) hydrogen ions are carried in the blood.

  27. Describe the neural components involved in initiating normal respiration and forced expiration.

  28. Describe how the rhythmic activity of breathing is established.

  29. Describe the roles of PO2, PCO2, and H+ concentrations in controlling normal breathing. Where are the receptors for these substances located?

  30. Describe how ventilation is controlled during moderate exercise.

  31. List and define four hypoxias.
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