Module 1.1
LOs: Describe the anatomy of the respiratory system - correct answer The respiratory system
consists of the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract.
Upper respiratory tract: Includes the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and pharynx, which filter,
warm, and humidify air.
Lower respiratory tract: Comprises the larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs. The
lungs contain alveoli, where gas exchange occurs between air and blood through capillaries.
The diaphragm and intercostal muscles support breathing by creating pressure changes that
move air in and out of the lungs.
Module 1.1
LOs: Explain what the dead space is - correct answer Dead space refers to areas in the
respiratory system where air is present but does not participate in gas exchange. It includes:
Anatomical dead space: Air in the conducting airways (nose, trachea, bronchi) that never
reaches the alveoli.
Alveolar dead space: Air in alveoli that are ventilated but not perfused with blood.
Together, these make up the physiological dead space, which is the total volume of non-
exchanging air.
Module 1.1
LOs: Distinguish between internal and external respiration - correct answer External respiration
is the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood, where oxygen enters the blood, and
carbon dioxide is removed.
,Internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and body tissues, where
oxygen is delivered to the cells, and carbon dioxide is picked up for removal.
Module 1.2
LOs: Explain how pressure gradients affect inspiration/expiration - correct answer During
inspiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing thoracic cavity volume
and decreasing pressure in the lungs below atmospheric pressure, causing air to flow in.
During expiration, these muscles relax, reducing thoracic cavity volume and increasing lung
pressure above atmospheric pressure, pushing air out.
Module 1.2
LOs: Describe the measures of lung capacity and volume - correct answer Lung capacity and
volume measurements include:
Tidal Volume (TV): The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): The additional air that can be inhaled after a normal
inspiration.
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): The additional air that can be exhaled after a normal
expiration.
Residual Volume (RV): The air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
Vital Capacity (VC): The total air exhaled after a maximal inhalation (TV + IRV + ERV).
Total Lung Capacity (TLC): The total air the lungs can hold (VC + RV).
Module 1.2
LOs: Describe the different types of ventilation - correct answer The types of ventilation are:
,Pulmonary Ventilation: The movement of air in and out of the lungs (breathing).
Alveolar Ventilation: The volume of air that reaches the alveoli for gas exchange.
Dead Space Ventilation: The air that fills the conducting airways but does not participate in gas
exchange.
Module 1.2
LOs: Understand the factors that affect ventilation - correct answer Factors affecting ventilation
include:
Lung Compliance: The ease with which lungs expand.
Airway Resistance: Obstructions or narrowing of airways increase resistance.
Respiratory Muscle Strength: Determines the ability to inhale and exhale effectively.
Alveolar Surface Tension: Reduced by surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse.
Neural Control: Regulated by the brainstem (medulla and pons).
Chemical Factors: CO2, O2, and pH levels influence breathing rate and depth.
Why does the increase in transpulmonary pressure result in an increased alveolar volume?
A. Because intra-alveolar pressure increases
B. Because it is due to a relaxation of the expiratory muscles, and so the lungs expand
, C. Because it is due to a decrease in intrapleural pressure, that allows the lungs to expand -
correct answer : C. Because it is due to a decrease in intrapleural pressure, that allows the
lungs to expand
When does inspiration stop?
A. When the intra-alveolar pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure
B. When the intra-alveolar pressure equals the atmospheric pressure
C. When the expiratory muscles contract - correct answer : B. When the intra-alveolar pressure
equals the atmospheric pressure
Why does intra-alveolar pressure increase?
A. Because the chest wall recoils and thus lung volume decreases
B. It only increases if the expiratory muscles contract
C. Because the diaphragm contracts - correct answer : A. Because the chest wall recoils and
thus lung volume decreases
When does expiration begin?
A. When the intra-alveolar pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure
B. When the intra-alveolar pressure equals the atmospheric pressure
C. When the expiratory muscles contract - correct answer : A. When the intra-alveolar pressure
exceeds the atmospheric pressure
When all muscles of respiration are relaxed and alveolar pressure is zero, lung volume is equal
to: