GAS EXCHANGE

GAS EXCHANGE IN THE LUNGS

Gas exchange is the delivery of
oxygen from the lungs to the
bloodstream, and the elimination of
carbon dioxide from the bloodstream
to the lungs. It occurs in the lungs
between the alveoli and a network of
tiny blood vessels called capillaries,
which are located in the walls of the
alveoli

GAS TRANSPORT IN THE BLOOD

Once the respiratory gases have
diffused in the lungs, resulting in the
blood becoming O2 rich and CO2
being exhaled, the next stage of
transporting the O2 rich blood to the
tissues that need it takes place.
Oxygenated blood leaving the lungs
flows back to the heart via the
pulmonary veins and is then pumped
to the rest of the body from the left
ventricle via the aorta and its branches

BREATHING
The act of breathing is performed
primarily by the diaphragm, a large
muscle that separates the thoracic cavity
from the abdominal cavity. During
inspiration, the diaphragm contracts,
drawing downward, creating a vacuum in
the thoracic cavity. This vacuum inflates
the lungs by drawing air into the body
through the trachea, or windpipe. During
normal expiration, the diaphragm relaxes
allowing the air to flow out as the lungs
deflate, similar to the way an inflated
balloon deflates when released

BRAIN CONTROL OF BREATHING

A respiratory control center at the base of your
brain controls your breathing. This center
sends ongoing signals down your spine and to
the muscles involved in breathing. These
signals ensure your breathing muscles contract
(tighten) and relax regularly. This allows your
breathing to happen automatically, without you
being aware of it. Sensors in the brain and in
two major blood vessels (the carotid artery and
the aorta) detect carbon dioxide or oxygen
levels in your blood and change your breathing
rate as needed.

MEASURING LUNG CAPACITY

The amount of air that you move in
and out of your lungs while breathing
normally is called tidal volume. This
amount of air provides enough
oxygen for a person who is resting. It
is possible to inhale and exhale more
forcefully - the maximum amount of
air moved in and out of the lungs is
called vital capacity.

ASTHMA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY

DISORDERS
ASTHMA-Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell. This
can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of
breath.
EMPHYSEMA- Emphysema gradually damages the air sacs in your lungs,
making you progressively more short of breath
ARDS-Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds
up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. More fluid in your lungs
means less oxygen can reach your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of
the oxygen they need to function.