Answers
What are the three factors that influence gas exchange through the
respiratory membrane? Correct Answer-- Partial pressures (CO2 and
O2)
- Gas solubility
- Ventilation & Perfusion
Which gas has a steeper partial pressure gradient between alveoli and
capillaries? Correct Answer-Oxygen
What is the gas exchange rate between CO2 and O2, and why is it this
way? Correct Answer-The rates are equal! Although oxygen has a larger
partial pressure gradient, CO2 is 20x more soluble in plasma and
alveolar fluid, so the rates are equal.
Ventilation Correct Answer-Amount of gas reaching alveoli
Perfusion Correct Answer-Blood flow in the capillaries (pulmonary)
Relationship between alveolar PO2 and pulmonary arteriole diameter
Correct Answer-The greater the pressure, the more dilated the arterioles
are
Relationship between alveolar PCO2 and bronchiole diameter Correct
Answer-The greater the pressure, the more dilated the bronchioles are
, Why is it important to maintain the pressure and diameter of the
bronchioles/arterioles (2)? Correct Answer-They ensure the most
volume of blood cells and the most efficient inspiratory system
What are two structural characteristics of the alveoli that make them an
ideal site for gas exchange? Correct Answer-Thin walls and large
surface area
Describe a respiratory disease or disorder that affects a structural feature,
how does this affect gas exchange? Correct Answer-Emphysema -
During this disease, the alveoli loses its wall. As a result, the space in the
lungs available for the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide is
heavily reduced
What are four factors that enhance O2 loading onto hemoglobin?
Correct Answer-- Decrease in temperature
- Decrease in amount of CO2
- High pH
- Low amount of BPG (metabolism)
True or False
Almost all oxygen carried is combined with hemoglobin Correct
Answer-True