Notes on Alveolar-Blood Gas Exchange

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Factors Affecting PCO2:

• Alveolar ventilation: Inverse relation.

• Hyperventilation: Inverse relation.

• Hypoventilation: Direct relation.

• Metabolic rate: Direct relationship.

Factors Affecting Alveolar PO2:

• Atmospheric pressure: Direct relationship.

• Fractional concentration of oxygen: Direct relationship.

• Alveolar pressure of CO2: Inverse relationship.

Fick Law of Diffusion:

• Simple diffusion = gas exchange between alveolar and pulmonary capillary blood.

• Factors affecting rate of diffusion also affect rate of CO2 and O2 exchange.

Rate of Diffusion Affected By:

• Surface area and thickness of membranes.

• Main factor affecting solubility is the diffusion constant of a gas.

Blood Gas Diffusion Diagram:

Blood Gas Diffusion

NOTE: if A-a gradient is less then 10 mm Hg, it is due to hypoventilation.

Additional Reading:

Basic Pulmonology

1. Lung Mechanics
2. Alveolar-Blood Gas Exchange
3. Gas Transport and Regulation of Respiration
4. Four Causes of Hypoxemia
5. Control of Respiration

Pulmonology Videos

1. Video of Pulmonology Examination in a Clinical Setting

Related Topics

1. Histology of the Respiratory System
2. Upper and Lower Respiratory Disorders
3. Pulmonary Examination for Internal Medicine

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