Physiology of respiration

Gas Laws
1. The total pressure of a mixture of gases is the sum of the pressures of the individual gases (Dalton's Law).
2. Gases, singly or in a mixture, move from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.
3. If the volume of a container of gas changes, the pressure of the gas will change in an inverse manner (Boyle's Law).
4. The amount of gas that will dissolve in a liquid is determined by the partial pressure of the gas and the gas's solubility in the liquid

Primary functions of the respiratory system

* Exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood
* Homeostatic regulation of body pH
* protection from inhaled pathogens and irritating substances
* vocalization
* loss of water
* loss of heat

MEANING OF THE WORD:
* cellular respiration = intracellular reactions of oxygen with organic molecules
* external respiration = interchange of gases between the environment and the body.

FUNCTIONS OF THE EXTERNAL RESPIRATION
* the exchange of air between the atmosphere and the lungs = ventilation, inspiration and expiration.
* the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and blood
* the transport of oxygen in the blood
* the exchange of gases between blood and cells

ANATOMY OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
* the conducting system of airways from the environment to the exchange surface
of the lungs
* the alveoli, the exchange surface of the lungs
* the bones and muscles of the thorax