Abstract Lung perfusion1 increases linearly from the top to the bottom of the lungs (Figure 15.1, lung perfusion line). The difference in perfusion at the top and bottom of the…

Abstract Alveolar volume VA, the volume of air which reaches perfused alveoli. Chapter 11 Ventilation and Dead Space In the lungs, what is meant by the term ‘dead space’? The…

Abstract Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are used to quantify an individual patient’s respiratory physiology. A battery of tests and manoeuvres are performed to measure the performance of the different lung…

Abstract A lung volume is measured directly, by a spirometer (Figure 12.1) or by a gas dilution technique (see p. ). A lung capacity is the sum of two or…

Abstract So, for a given clinical situation, the only factor that can be altered is the concentration gradient; for example, by increasing the inspired fraction FiO2 in the case of…

Abstract O2 is carried within the circulation from the lungs to the tissues in two forms. Chapter 8 Oxygen Transport How is oxygen transported in the blood? O2 is carried…

Abstract CO2 is produced in the tissues as a by-product of aerobic metabolism. One of the important roles of the circulation is to transport CO2 from the tissues to the…

Abstract The lower airways can be divided into the larynx and tracheobronchial tree, which is subdivided into the conducting and respiratory zones. Chapter 7 The Lower Airways What are the…

Abstract The cell membrane is the lipid bilayer structure that separates the intracellular contents from the extracellular environment. It controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell….