Physiology 2130 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Breathing, Intrapleural Pressure
22 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
Functions: transport of oxygen from the air into the blood, removal of carbon dioxide from the blood into the air, control of blood acidity (ph, temperature regulation, forming a line of defense to airborne particles. Lungs: located in the thoracic cavity and surrounded by the rib cage and diaphragm. Airway: nasal cavity and mouth, joined together at the pharynx. Pharynx leads into the larynx or voice box which becomes the trachea. Trachea divides into two main bronchi (left and right) which continually divide into small and smaller bronchioles. Bronchioles continually divide and eventually end in the alveoli which are the site of gas exchange in the lung. Left/right main bronchus bronchioles alveoli. Pulmonary artery: delivers deoxygenated blood to the lungs: branches extensively to form a dense network of capillaries around each alveolus. Structure of the capillaries and blood flow maximize gas exchange: thin endothelial walls, large total cross-sectional area, very low blood velocity.
