Respiratory Pathophysiology Essentials

Respiratory Pathophysiology Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Gas exchange occurs in alveoli; oxygen enters blood, CO exits.
• Controlled by brainstem centers: inspiratory, expiratory, apneustic, pneumotaxic.
• Hyp: deficiency in oxygen supply; types include hypoxic, anemic, ischemic, tissue.
• Common external disorders: chest malformations, trauma, airway obstructions.
• Lung diseases: asthma, emphysema, edema, atelectasis, pulmonary hypertension.
• Pleural diseases: pleuritis, pneumothorax, hydrothorax.
• Circulatory disorders impair oxygen transport: embolism, stasis.
• Blood gas abnormalities: hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hypoxia.
• Breathing disorders: tachypnea, bradypnea, dyspnea, arrhythmias.
• Acute asphyxia leads to rapid CNS depression and death if untreated.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components

• Brainstem centers — regulate breathing rhythm based on CO2 and O2 levels.
• Alveoli — primary site of gas exchange.
• Lungs — contain airways, alveoli, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
• Airways — nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi.
• Pleura — visceral and parietal layers surrounding lungs.
• Pulmonary circulation — carries deoxygenated blood for gas exchange.
• Respiratory muscles — diaphragm, intercostals, accessory muscles.
• Blood components — hemoglobin, plasma, cells involved in gas transport.