Dr. D. M. Yordy
Community College of Rhode Island
Biology 1020: Human Physiology
Learning Objectives
XIV. Learning Objectives: Respiratory Physiology I
1. You should be able to define the following terms: pressure, partial pressure, bulk flow, diffusion, ventilation, inspiration, expiration, inspiratory reserve volume, resting tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume, residual volume, inspiratory capacity, functional residual capacity, vital capacity, total lung volume compliance, elasticity, surface tension, lung surfactant.
2. You should be able to explain the effect of concentration and temperature on the pressure of a gas.
3. You should be able to explain how bulk flow and diffusion move oxygen (and carbon dioxide) into and (out of) and throughout the body.
4. You should be able to distinguish the air conducting parts of the respiratory system from those actually involved in gas exchange.
5. You should be able to describe lung and alveolar structure.
6. You should be able to identify the components of the "respiratory membranes".
7. You should be able to explain how thickness of the respiratory membranes, surface area and the partial pressure of gases influence gas exchange.
8. You should be able to describe the respiratory cycle.
9. You should be able to explain how the flow of air into and out of the lungs is affected by pressure differentials and resistance.
10. You should be able to explain what affects the resistance to air flow, and how the resistance can be regulated.
11. You should be able to state Boyle's Law.
12. You should be able to apply Boyle's Law to the process of ventilation.
13. You should be able to identify the muscles involved in ventilation.
14. You should be able to describe how rhythmic changes in the volume of the thoracic cavity are brought about.
15. You should be able to relate compliance and elasticity to lung function.
16. You should be able to explain the role of lung surfactant and identify which cells produce this substance.
17.You should be able to explain the cause of hyaline membrane disease (a.k.a., respiratory distress syndrome.
18 You should be able to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.
19. You should be able to explain how lung volumes and capacities as well as the forced expiratory volume are used diagnostically.
20. You should be able to describe the characteristics of COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
At the end of this section you should understand the process of ventilation. You should be able to discuss certain pathological respiratory conditions and understand how lung volumes and capacities can be used to diagnose them .