After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Describe the anatomy of the respiratory passages, beginning at the nose and ending with the alveoli.

2. Describe the lungs, the membranes that cover the lungs, and the cavities in which they lie.

3. Explain how contraction of the muscles of respiration causes changes in thoracic volume during quiet breathing and during labored breathing.

4. Describe the changes in alveolar pressure that are responsible for the movement of air into and out of the lungs.

5. Explain how surfactant and pleural pressure prevent the collapse of the lungs and how changes in pleural pressure cause changes in alveolar volume.

6. List the pulmonary volumes and capacities and define each of them.

7. Name the components of the respiratory membrane and explain the factors that affect gas movement through it.

8. Describe the partial pressure gradients for oxygen and carbon dioxide.

9. Explain how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood.

10. Describe the respiratory areas of the brainstem and how they produce a rhythmic pattern of ventilation.

11. Name the neural mechanisms that can modify the normal rhythmic pattern of ventilation.

12. Explain how alterations in blood pH, carbon dioxide, and oxygen levels affect ventilation.

13. Describe the regulation of ventilation during exercise and describe the changes in the respiratory system that result from exercise training.