Unit 2: Functional Diagnostics and Imaging Techniques

2.3 Pneumology

Section 1: Introduction to Pneumology

What are the main functions of the respiratory system?

a. Gas exchange:

During inhalation, air containing a high concentration of oxygen enters the lungs through the airways. At the same time, blood is returning to the lungs with high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels. In the pulmonary capillaries, carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen from the alveoli. Blood then leaves the lungs with a high oxygen content and a relatively low carbon dioxide content to be distributed to the tissues of the body by the left side of the heart. During exhalation, gas with a high concentration of carbon dioxide is expelled from the body.

blood flow

Figure 2: The alveolus is a sac which allows gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide by diffusion.
The alveoli have thin walls to aid this diffusion.
Source: MAMMOTHMEMORY; the pulmonary system.

b. Acid-Base Balance:
c. Phonation:
d. Pulmonary defense mechanisms:
e. Pulmonary metabolism and the handling of the bioactive materials:
f. Common respiratory associated diseases:
g. Functional diagnostics:

Unit 2: Functional Diagnostics and Imaging Techniques

2.3 Pneumology

Figure 2: The alveolus is a sac which allows gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide by diffusion. The alveoli have thin walls to aid this diffusion. Source: MAMMOTHMEMORY; the pulmonary system.

Figure 2: The alveolus is a sac which allows gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide by diffusion.
The alveoli have thin walls to aid this diffusion.
Source: MAMMOTHMEMORY; the pulmonary system.