Pulmonary ventilation

Pulmonary ventilation is the process of air flowing into the lungs during inspiration (inhalation) and out of the lungs during expiration (exhalation). It is one of the vital processes of the respiratory system, which also includes external respiration, internal respiration, and cellular respiration.

Mechanism

Pulmonary ventilation involves two stages: inspiration and expiration. During inspiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This decrease in pressure allows air to flow into the lungs. During expiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and increasing pressure, which forces air out of the lungs.

Measurement

The rate of pulmonary ventilation is typically measured in liters per minute. This measurement is often used in clinical settings to assess lung function and can be affected by factors such as body size, age, sex, and physical condition.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in pulmonary ventilation can lead to a variety of respiratory disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. These conditions can result in decreased lung function and difficulty breathing.

See also

• Respiratory system
• Respiration (physiology)
• Lung volumes
• Spirometry

Pulmonary ventilation Resources
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