Abstract
The function of the respiratory system is to remove carbon dioxide from, and add oxygen to, venous blood flowing through the pulmonary circulation. The system accomplishes this by two interrelated processes: gas exchange and ventilation. We will discuss these two concepts in detail. Additional topics covered in this chapter include: alveolar microanatomy, oxygen delivery, alveolar gas equation, carbon dioxide elimination, ventilation-perfusion matching, gas diffusion, pulmonary elasticity, compliance, surface tension, law of Laplace, pressure-volume curves, functional residual capacity, inspiration, expiration, airway resistance, and Poiseuille’s law.
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Do, K., Musch, G. (2022). Basic Physiology of Respiratory System: Gas Exchange and Respiratory Mechanics. In: Bellani, G. (eds) Mechanical Ventilation from Pathophysiology to Clinical Evidence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93401-9_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93401-9_1
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