Textbook Question
Cary hyperventilates for several minutes before diving into a swimming pool. After he enters and begins swimming underwater, he blacks out and almost drowns. What caused this to happen?
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Ch. 23 The Respiratory System
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization30
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure36
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses16
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System20
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation29
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity31
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System12
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes32
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance23
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 23, Problem 22c
What is the significance of
(c) Henry's law to the process of respiration?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of Henry's law: Henry's law states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid, provided the temperature remains constant. This principle is crucial in understanding gas exchange during respiration.
Relate Henry's law to oxygen and carbon dioxide: In the lungs, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and the blood. The partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli determines how much oxygen dissolves into the blood, while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood determines how much carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli.
Consider the role of solubility: Henry's law also accounts for the solubility of gases. Carbon dioxide is more soluble in blood plasma than oxygen, which explains why it can be transported more efficiently in dissolved form compared to oxygen.
Apply Henry's law to gas exchange: During inhalation, the high partial pressure of oxygen in the alveoli drives oxygen into the blood. During exhalation, the high partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood drives carbon dioxide into the alveoli for removal from the body.
Connect Henry's law to physiological adaptations: The efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs is influenced by factors such as the partial pressures of gases, the solubility of gases, and the surface area of the alveoli. These adaptations ensure optimal oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal, as described by Henry's law.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Henry's Law
Henry's Law states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. This principle is crucial in understanding how gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in biological systems, particularly in the lungs where blood and air interface.
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Pressures: Dalton’s and Henry’s Laws
Gas Exchange in Respiration
Gas exchange is the process by which oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled. In the lungs, oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli, driven by differences in partial pressures, which is explained by Henry's Law.
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Partial Pressure
Partial pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a single type of gas in a mixture of gases. In the context of respiration, the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli and blood determine the direction and rate of gas diffusion, making it essential for efficient respiratory function.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
What is the significance of
(b) Dalton's law, to the process of respiration?
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Textbook Question
What are the differences between pulmonary volumes and respiratory capacities? How are pulmonary volumes and respiratory capacities determined?
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Textbook Question
What is the significance of
(a) Boyle's law, to the process of respiration?
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Textbook Question
What happens to the process of respiration when a person is sneezing or coughing?
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Textbook Question
Gas exchange at the blood air barrier is efficient because
(a) The differences in partial pressure are substantial
(b) The gases are lipid soluble
(c) The total surface area is large
(d) Of all of these
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