Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

22. The Respiratory System

Introduction to Lung Physiology

Anatomy & Physiology

22. The Respiratory System

Introduction to Lung Physiology

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Multiple Choice

If a patient with a chest injury only inhales and is unable to exhale, what is the most likely consequence?

The lungs will collapse due to lack of air entry.

Oxygen levels in the blood will continuously increase without any negative effects.

The heart will immediately stop beating due to lack of oxygen.

Carbon dioxide will accumulate in the blood, leading to respiratory acidosis.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the mechanics of breathing. Breathing involves two main processes: inhalation (air enters the lungs) and exhalation (air exits the lungs). Exhalation is crucial for removing carbon dioxide (CO2), a waste product of cellular metabolism.

Step 2: Recognize the role of carbon dioxide in the blood. CO2 is transported in the blood and must be expelled through exhalation. If CO2 accumulates, it reacts with water in the blood to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3−). This process lowers blood pH, leading to respiratory acidosis.

Step 3: Analyze the consequences of impaired exhalation. If a patient cannot exhale, CO2 builds up in the bloodstream. This disrupts the acid-base balance, causing the blood to become more acidic. The body relies on exhalation to maintain homeostasis and prevent acidosis.

Step 4: Connect the physiological effects of respiratory acidosis. Acidosis can impair enzyme function, disrupt cellular processes, and lead to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Severe acidosis can be life-threatening if not corrected.

Step 5: Conclude that the inability to exhale results in CO2 accumulation, which leads to respiratory acidosis. This is the most likely consequence of the described chest injury, as the body cannot effectively remove CO2 from the bloodstream.