Gas exchange and Ventilation of the lungs

Lecture 2: Gas exchange and Ventilation of the lungs
Ass. Prof. Dr. Amjed H. Abbas

M.B.Ch.B, M.Sc.,Ph.D. Respiratory Physiology
Objectives describe the properties of the mechanical system comprising the lungs, chest wall and diaphragm

define the terms Functional Residual Capacity , Residual Volume , Vital Capacity and Inspiratory Capacity‘
define the terms Serial dead space and Physiological dead space and state in general terms how these variables are measured
calculate alveolar ventilation rate when given the pulmonary ventilation rate, dead space volume and respiratory rate
The partial pressure of inspired air is further changed by gas exchange occurring in
the alveoli.
The blood flowing through the alveolar capillaries picks up O2 and loses CO2 by
diffusion of these gases across the alveolar wall.
At the same time there is diffusion of O2 & CO2 between alveolar gas and fresh
atmospheric air in the terminal and respiratory bronchioles brought in by
ventilation.