Respiratory Structure and Mechanics Learning Objectives

Nursing Physiology (BI-274), Dr. C. S. Tritt

Be able to sketch the blood flow pathways among the heart, lungs and systemic circulation.

Be able to sketch and label the key aspects of the basic anatomy of the respiratory system (including the airways, lungs and alveoli).

Be able to describe how the lung volume and intrapulmonary (alveolar) and intrapleural (pleural) pressures vary over the ventilatory (respiratory) cycle (however, you don't need to know specific values of these quantities).

Be able to explain how contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles can result in inspiration.

Be able to state if inspiration, expiration, neither or both are active during normal breathing.

Be able to list the muscles involved in normal inspiration.

Be able to state the general definition of compliance and relate it the the pressure-volume behavior of the lungs.

Be able to illustrate the concept of hysteresis as it applies to the pressure-volume behavior of the lungs.

Be able to list the factors (components) that influence lung compliance.

Be able to describe the role of surface tension in the pressure-volume behavior of the lungs.

Be able to explain the role of pulmonary surfactant in the effort of breathing and stabilization of alveoli.

Be able to state the Law of LaPlace and explain its significance to alveolar stability.

Be able to sketch and interpret a typical spirogram.

Be able to describe in words and label on a spirogram the following respiratory quantities: IRV, IC, ERV, EC, VC, ERV, FRC, TV, RV, MIC, KEY and MOUSE.

Be able to explain both the functional and the mechanical significance of the Functional Reserve Capacity (FRC).