What factor is most important in keeping the lungs from collapsing?

Match each term with the correct definition. 

Airway resistance     

Surface tension     

Surfactant     

Pulmonary compliance     

V/Q ratio

a. A detergent-like chemical secreted by bronchial smooth muscle that reduces surface tension

b. The matching of ventilation to perfusion

c. Largely determined by the diameter of the airways

d. Caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules

e. Determined by the surface tension of the alveoli, the elastic tissue of the lungs, and the condition of the chest wall

If you swallow a large bite of food without properly chewing it first, you will feel discomfort during ventilation. Explain this, considering the arrangement of the trachea and the esophagus.

As a result of a stroke, Mrs. Minnick's swallowing is uncoordinated. What detrimental effect might this have on her ability to breathe?

Predict what would happen to the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume if the phrenic nerves were severed. Which muscles would contract to try to compensate for this?

Individuals with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) have degraded elastin protein, causing their lungs to have less recoil. How would this affect intrapleural pressure and why?

True or false: if false choose the answer that best corrects the statement.

In healthy lungs, the intrapulmonary pressure is always lower than the intrapleural pressure.

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