Textbook Question
The detergent-like substance that keeps the alveoli from collapsing between breaths because it reduces the surface tension of the water film in the alveoli is called:
a. Lecithin
b. Bile
c. Surfactant
d. Reluctant
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22. The Respiratory System
Pressure in the Lungs and Pleural Cavity
Problem 17
Textbook Question
Define hyperventilation
If you hyperventilate, do you retain or expel more carbon dioxide?
What effect does hyperventilation have on blood pH?
Verified step by step guidance1
Hyperventilation is defined as a condition in which an individual breathes at an abnormally rapid rate, leading to excessive expulsion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the lungs.
When you hyperventilate, you expel more carbon dioxide than normal because the increased breathing rate removes CO₂ faster than it is produced by the body's metabolism.
Carbon dioxide plays a critical role in maintaining blood pH through the bicarbonate buffer system. The chemical reaction involved is: . This reaction shows that CO₂ combines with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻).
When CO₂ levels decrease due to hyperventilation, the equilibrium of the bicarbonate buffer system shifts to the left, reducing the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the blood.
As a result of the decreased hydrogen ion concentration, blood pH increases, leading to a condition known as respiratory alkalosis, which is characterized by a more alkaline (basic) blood environment.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is a condition characterized by rapid or deep breathing that exceeds the body's need for oxygen. This can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, as more CO2 is expelled than is produced by the body's metabolism. It is often triggered by anxiety, stress, or medical conditions.
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Respiration Example 2
Carbon Dioxide Retention vs. Expulsion
During hyperventilation, the body expels more carbon dioxide than it retains. This excessive loss of CO2 can lead to a state known as respiratory alkalosis, where the blood becomes less acidic due to the reduced concentration of carbonic acid formed from CO2. Understanding this balance is crucial for assessing respiratory function.
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Blood pH and Respiratory Alkalosis
Blood pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, with normal levels ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. Hyperventilation can cause an increase in blood pH, leading to respiratory alkalosis, which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle cramps. This shift in pH affects various physiological processes and can indicate underlying health issues.
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