Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Hb in arterial blood is normally almost fully saturated.
1
views
Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 21, Problem 13
When the alveolar Pco₂ decreases, the pulmonary arterioles_____. When the arteriolar Pco₂ increases, the bronchioles_______.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the relationship between alveolar Po₂ (partial pressure of oxygen) and pulmonary arterioles. When alveolar Po₂ decreases, pulmonary arterioles constrict to redirect blood flow to areas of the lung with higher oxygen levels. This is a mechanism called hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
Recognize the relationship between arteriolar Pco₂ (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) and bronchioles. When arteriolar Pco₂ increases, bronchioles dilate to allow more airflow and facilitate the removal of excess carbon dioxide from the lungs.
Identify the physiological purpose of these responses: the constriction of pulmonary arterioles ensures efficient oxygen uptake by redirecting blood flow, while the dilation of bronchioles enhances gas exchange by increasing ventilation.
Relate these mechanisms to homeostasis. The body uses these adjustments to maintain optimal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, ensuring proper cellular function.
Summarize the key points: decreased alveolar Po₂ leads to pulmonary arteriole constriction, and increased arteriolar Pco₂ leads to bronchiole dilation, both of which are adaptive responses to maintain effective gas exchange in the lungs.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Alveolar Partial Pressure of Oxygen (Po₂)
The alveolar partial pressure of oxygen (Po₂) refers to the amount of oxygen present in the alveoli of the lungs. A decrease in Po₂ indicates reduced oxygen availability for gas exchange, which triggers physiological responses in the pulmonary arterioles to redirect blood flow to better-ventilated areas of the lung, optimizing oxygen uptake.
Recommended video:
Guided course
6:12
Partial Pressure
Pulmonary Arterioles Response
Pulmonary arterioles are small blood vessels that regulate blood flow in the lungs. When the alveolar Po₂ decreases, these arterioles constrict, a process known as hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. This response helps to divert blood away from poorly ventilated regions of the lung, ensuring that blood is directed towards areas with higher oxygen levels for more efficient gas exchange.
Recommended video:
9:59Steps of the Interferon Response
Bronchial Response to Carbon Dioxide (Pco₂)
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco₂) in the bronchioles influences airway resistance and ventilation. An increase in Pco₂ leads to bronchodilation, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the bronchioles, allowing for increased airflow. This response enhances the elimination of carbon dioxide from the body and improves overall respiratory efficiency.
Recommended video:
04:19Carbon
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Which of the following does not affect the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange?
a. The surface area of the respiratory membrane
b. The degree of match of ventilation to perfusion
c. The percent saturation of hemoglobin
d. The thickness of the respiratory membrane
2
views
Textbook Question
Henry's law states that the degree to which a gas dissolves in a liquid is determined by its:
a. Partial pressure
b. Solubility
c. Surface tension
d. Both a and b are correct
e. All of the above are correct
1
views
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The vital capacity is the total amount of exchangeable air.
1
views
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Each Hb protein can carry up to four oxygen molecules.
1
views
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Oxygen is transported primarily by dissolving in the plasma.