Respiration:  An Overview


Relevant Questions:
 

1. Define tidal volume, dead space, and alveolar ventilation.  Why can't you scuba
    dive with a 3 foot long snorkel?
 
 

2. What layers must O2 and CO2 traverse in the process of gas exchange?  What
    forms the boundaries of the pleural space?
 
 

3. Puncture the chest wall and the lung collapses.  Why?  What forces are at work to
    keep the lung inflated in situ ?
 
 

4. What causes the lung to inflate and deflate?  What muscles are involved?  What is
    the primary nerve involved?  Classify this neuron in as much detail as possible.
 
 

5. Nerve gases (e.g., tabun or sarin ) are often AChase inhibitors.  How do they affect
    respiration?
 
 

6. Where are the body's chemoreceptors?  What do they measure?  Why are they
    placed in these locations?
 
 

7. How does an i.v. injection of an acid cause an increase in respiration?
 
 

8. Carbon monoxide poisoning affects respiration only in its later stages.  Explain.
 
 

9. Draw the oxygen - hemoglobin dissociation curve.  Label P50; define it and give the
    units of measurement.
 
 

10. Stimulation of the vagus nerve temporarily stops or slows respiration.  Why?
 
 

11. Why must we have a respiratory pigment to carry O2?  How is the RBC adapted
      to carry out its functions?
 
 

12. In what three forms does the body carry CO2?
 
 

13. What are the relationships between plasma [CO2] and plasma pH?  between
      plasma [CO2] and csf pH?  between plasma [CO2] and rate of alveolar
      ventilation?
 


[CD EXERCISES]