Chapter 28 – Cardiac Cycle
Abstract The cardiac cycle refers to the complete sequence of physiological events that occur in the heart, from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next. Chapter…
Chapter 27 – Cardiac Anatomy and Function
Abstract The right side of the heart generates flow around the pulmonary circulation, moving deoxygenated venous blood from the heart to the lungs. Chapter 27 Cardiac Anatomy and Function What…
Chapter 23 – Pulmonary Circulation
Abstract The pulmonary circulation differs significantly in characteristics from the systemic circulation. The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, low-resistance, high-flow circulation: a blood flow of 5 L/min (i.e. 100% of…
Chapter 21 – Work of Breathing
Abstract The work of breathing is the energy consumed by the respiratory muscles throughout the respiratory cycle. Chapter 21 Work of Breathing What is meant by the term ‘work of…
Chapter 26 – Anaesthesia and the Lung
Abstract Many of the drugs used by anaesthetists have effects on the medullary respiratory centre, the peripheral chemoreceptors and the airways. Their effects are most easily classified by drug class….
Chapter 25 – Ventilatory Failure
Abstract Respiratory failure occurs when the respiratory system fails in one or both of its main functions; namely, the oxygenation of blood and the elimination of CO2. Respiratory failure is…
Chapter 24 – Oxygen Toxicity
Abstract The central nervous system (CNS), causing seizures and unconsciousness when breathing hyperbaric O2, which is of obvious importance for divers. CNS toxicity is known as the Paul Bert effect….
Chapter 22 – Control of Ventilation
Abstract Sensors – the central and peripheral chemoreceptors, pulmonary stretch receptors, J-receptors, irritant receptors and joint proprioceptors. Chapter 22 Control of Ventilation Which anatomical sites are involved in the control…
Chapter 20 – Lung Compliance
Abstract Compliance is defined as the change in lung volume produced by a unit change in transpulmonary pressure. Lung compliance is represented by the gradient of the pressure–volume curve. Chapter…
Chapter 19 – Oxygen Cascade
Abstract The O2 cascade concept draws together areas of respiratory physiology covered in the previous few chapters. In an examination setting, it allows the examiner to assess your knowledge of…
