1. The anatomy of lungs and airways

functions of pleura

diameters of airways and aerodynamic resistance, dead space

ciliary airway epithelium and its function

alveoli: surface area, structure of wall, cellular components

2. Mechanics of breathing

chest movements: cage muscles, diaphragm

lung volumes and different regimes of respiration

alveolar compliance and elasticity, surface tension and the role of surfactant

3. Gas exchange and transport

components of the air: partial pressures, solubilities and diffusibilities

transport of O₂, Hemoglobin saturation curves, Bohr effect

transport of CO₂, chloride shift, Haldane effect

4. Circulation and gas exchange in tissues

properties of the pulmonary circulation loop

autoregulation of microcirculation in lungs, paracrine effects of gases

pressures of O₂ and CO₂ in different body compartments

ventilation/perfusion ratio

5. Regulation of respiration

pacemaker hypothesis of rhythmic excitation

anatomical areas in the brain responsible for respiratory rhythm

and connections between functional groups of cells

chemoreceptors, their locations, connecting nerves and properties

interplay between Po₂ and Pco₂ in regulation of ventilation

6. Pulmonary diseases

compliance-related pulmonary disorders

asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease

pulmonary edema

cystic fibrosis