Respiratory System

Mechanism of Respiration

Respiration or pulmonary ventilation, is the process that exchanges air between the atmosphere and the alveoli of the lungs. Air moves into and out of the lungs along an air pressure gradient-from regions of higher pressure to regions of lower pressure. There are three pressures that are

Pulmonary Circulation

The lungs receive the entire output of the right ventricle. Consequently, pulmonary blood flow is equal to cardiac output, about 5 L/min. The normal transit time for blood through the pulmonary capillaries is about 0.75 seconds. Gas equilibration between the alveolar air and the pulmonary capillary takes

Respiratory System – Structures and Functions

THE PRIMARY ROLE of the respiratory system is to make oxygen available to cells for cellular respiration and to remove carbon dioxide, the main byproduct of that metabolism. The entire process of respiration encompasses five unique and sequential processes: Breathing (pulmonary ventilation)-the movement of air into and

Respiratory Volumes their Capacities and their Significance

Healthy adults average 12 to 15 quiet breathing cycles per minute. A breathing cycle is one inspiration followed by one expiration. The volume of air inhaled and exhaled in a quiet or forceful breathing cycle varies with size, sex, age, and physical condition. The average respiratory volumes

The Neural Control of Breathing And Respiratory Centers

The normal rhythmic cycle of breathing is involuntary- we don’t have to think about it. It continues when we are sleeping or even unconscious. However, we can voluntarily override the normal pattern and take deep breaths and breathe faster or slower if we wish. The centers for